<p>Well said, Marysidney!</p>
<p>I think you’ve nailed the essential empowerment of Smith: you’re allowed to be who you are, both personally and intellectually. You gain confidence in yourself and in your ideas, which in turn makes you more comfortable in social and professional situations.</p>
<p>Of course, it’s easy to idealize Smith. For instance, you can grow in the above ways at another college. And while the pettiness of high school is largely absent at Smith (let’s face it – even mature women can be petty!), that’s also the case at other academically competitive schools. What is different at Smith is the close-knit female community and its size. It’s more than just a circle of friends. It’s an environment.</p>