Georgetown Visitation.

The youth ministers in my area, from the various parishes in Montgomery County have a monthly meetings to collaborate in our Youth Ministry.  We've decided to coordinate visits this year to the various Catholic High Schools in order to let our teens know "we love you, see how we vist your school."  Personally, I find it kind of lame, but I take advantage of it because I want to get into teaching and its a nice chance to see the various high schools and student environments.

Well, I don't think I've ever been to a school quite like Visitation.  It was just a really cool place, and I'm fully aware of the high academic standards.  If I were a parent I would certainly think of sending my daughters to Visitation.  As a guy who went to public school in New Mexico, my experience is completely institutional, but this place was completely different . . . I can't put my finger on it, but I was very struck by the place.

Comments

[1dayin7]

What do you want to teach?

[Stephen]

English, Philosophy, or Religion . . . but English or Philosophy most of all.

[Juliet]

Hi, I was just curious as to what you found so striking about Visitation specifically, if you can put your finger on it. As a student there, I am very interested in what positive things you perceived. I agree with you; I find it very beautifully different, and I think I am beginning to learn why I feel this way.

[Stephen]

Juliet,

Welcome to my blog . . . did the guy in Australia tell you about it? lol . . .

I think what struck me about Visitation was the freedom and the responsibility given to you all in front of your education. There didn't seem to be a lot of "patroling" your behavior which was common in my high school. I wonder if it isn't primarily because it is an all girls school.

I also felt like, for the most part, your teachers take you seriously. It didn't seem like you were treated like children, but rather a certain maturity was expected of you.

I also think that the feel of the place adds to the non-institutional quality. I mean, you're in a building that has the feel of a fancy convent. There is a warm and familiar atmosphere.