We each of us draw strength from others and this past year has borne out the power of what happens when we know that we truly belong to a community that sees us, hears us and understands us. The simple fact is, we thrive when we feel connected to one another.

I went to an all-girls’ school for 9 years and loved knowing that we girls could do anything we set our minds to. Yet I can’t help feeling uneasy that my parents believed I needed to be separated from boys to be freed from the limitations of gender stereotypes.