The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions women’s college is a turn of the century finishing school teaching women their fixed role in a male dominated society. The movie, “Mona Lisa Smile” which was set at Wellesley College in the 1950s, comes to mind. Back then Wellesley was devoted to turning out “perfect” women– perfect housewives, perfect mothers.

Today the concept of a women’s college is the opposite. Instead of educating women to be dependent on men, the modern women’s college encourages young women to be independent leaders. Top women’s colleges like Barnard, Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Mills, and Scripps are some of the most progressive and inclusive educational institutions in the country because they provide a place for women of all backgrounds, sexualities, and gender identities to thrive in an environment that is focused on catering to the needs of women.

Attending a women’s college provides a safe and nurturing environment for female students, away from the lingering patriarchal influence on education that permeates co-ed schools. In a women’s college women are pushed to engage in discussion and take leadership positions that would otherwise have been male-dominated.

This year’s San Luis Obispo High School graduating class has four students going on to top women’s colleges next year. Seniors Isabel Kramer and myself are attending Barnard College of Columbia in the fall, and seniors Marisa Tangeman and Morgan Leishman will be attending Mills College.

It is time that the perception of women’s college fits the reality. This is no outdated form of education, but an evolved one.