When I tell people I attended an all-girls school since age 4, I’m met with expressions of either confusion, shock, curiosity or some combination of the three. I get the same responses ad nauseum: Why? Was it horrible? But how did you meet boys? Contrary to what many people immediately assume, judging from their looks…

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“Wait, speak,” yet another person pleads as I introduce myself to my dorm mates on move-in day. As if I wasn’t already speaking before? I am now so used to this reaction when I tell people I’m from London that I can predict exactly what else will be said, sooner or later. At some point,…

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“ALEX, Alex, WAKE UPPP.” I jolt awake, thinking it must be an earthquake or some sort of emergency. But no. It’s just ten virtual strangers who had climbed through the window of my residence and were now banging on my door and forcing me out of my much-needed sleep. In any other context, that would…

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