Katharine’s Plaza features ten stars, each containing a name of a Ten Ideal.

People complain about Stephens all the time: The high tuition, mediocre residence halls and less-than-satisfying dining hall food.

Not to mention the insane group projects and homework that teachers set deadlines for in the same week. I think I speak for most students when I say we often reevaluate why we are even here.

Sursum! statue standing tall across from the Chapel. (Photo by Michelle Niewald)

But like a protective older sister, the moment someone says something negative about Stephens, we jump to her defense. We love this college despite all the difficulties and minor frustrations. These range from junior Graphic Design major Bree Martino’s frustration with not having an archery team anymore to sophomore Fashion Marketing and Management major Madison Moore’s dissatisfaction with Stamper’s weekend hours.

Why we love Stephens cannot be put into a list of 50 items. We don’t love it because of free laundry, new academic schools or even the frozen yogurt machines, which still have not been installed. We love Stephens because of the support.

Regardless of financial background, upbringing and political affiliation, we share struggles. We take the same classes, as well as design, choreograph, act, write and produce together. We laugh together and complain and cry when nothing else is going our way. We dread graduation day, as it is the day we will no longer be together.

Many come to Stephens and are disappointed with small things, such as having to live on campus, participate in class or even go to class at all. Many end up transferring. In fact, the four-year retention rate for Stephens students is only 50%. But, at the end of the day, those who stay reap the benefits of hard work and dedication, including a dedicated faculty and group of alumnae base eager to help Stephens women get into the work world.

Any girl can come to Stephens, but it takes a real woman to stick it out all four years.