by Taylor Steen

As I’m walking through the halls of M&A during passing period, I see multiple smiles, waves and the occasional hug getting exchanged between my fellow sisters. When I get that subtle hey and a slight smile from one of my friends, my day gets so much better. My friends range in grade, age, friend group and economic class but does that really matter to me? No, because they are my sisters.

Here at STA, there are a variety of young women who come from different backgrounds which makes STA the most unique environment around. We all are unique in our own ways however this is what brings us closer. In the past 3 years, I have built bonds with my fellow classmates which are similar to that of sisters. I have learned from the great Nan Bone to “love your neighbor as yourself” and without her advocating this around school who knows what kind of relationship I would have with these girls. STA does not discriminate or promote stereotypes. We are a family here and we are accepting of everyone. Which is why I was shocked to hear about a couple of fellow sisters/classmates who said they couldn’t wait to get away from these “ignorant” girls.

I’ve heard classmates talking to others who said they couldn’t wait to get out of school because they are sick of their peers. I’ve seen posts to Facebook and Twitter regarding their relief that will be coming in the few months, and the lack of participation in school activities. The overall negative attitude amongst the girls is dispiriting.

What would cause one of our sisters to say or feel this? Is it their lack of appreciation for the unconditional love and acceptance that surrounds them? I could not wrap my head around their ability to think that of a school which advocates sisterhood and is a second home to many of us.

Now, I know that STA has the reputation of being a stuck up school filled with rich snobs. I mean who hasn’t heard that from someone outside? But that doesn’t mean the stereotype is true. Some (NOT MANY) girls come from wealthier families, some are on scholarship and even more rely on financial aid.. Although some of the generalizations that STA possess are ignorant, sheltered, and ungrateful, you can’t assume that all STA students fall into these stereotypes.

Then I took a step back and tried viewing it from their prospective. I couldn’t think of  how somebody could feel so isolated in an environment where I have only experienced warmth and acceptance. Don’t get me wrong we are only human and don’t see eye to eye on some issues but this is what I embrace rather than hold in disdain. To any girl who feels this way: I apologize that you have not experienced the type of love and care that I have witnessed while at STA.

And maybe we are ignorant- ignorant to the stereotypes, ignorant to a place that is filled without love, ignorant to a place where God is not present. In that case, ignorance is bliss.

I’ve grown closer to my senior sisters in these past few months than ever before. I’ve never felt closer and more attached to a group of girls. Now that my senior year is coming to an end I’ve realized how awesome of an experience it was to share these last three years with these girls. I encourage all of you to try and mend some of the friendships you have lost and be more open to new people. I ask that you do not make judgments on those you do not know, because you’ll never know the love they are capable of. Here’s a quote to keep in mind:

In order to be loved, you have to be loving. In order to be accepted, you have to be accepting. In order to be included, you have to be including.