Mad Dog.
That’s what I was drinking one night in college.
It’s not exactly what you call fine liquor but it was cheap and when you’re in college, you try to make your summer savings account last. Even though my funds never made it past October.
My girlfriends and I were spending our Friday night at the usual place…a basement frat party. They were my favorite nights.
Let me get to it…my friends went home. I remember they needed to be in good condition the next day because their parents were coming to visit. I, on the other hand, was not ready to stop dancing…or drinking my Banana Red Mad Dog.
Then there were shots. Many shots.
Goldschlager.
Just typing that out makes me gag. There are mouthwashes I can’t even use because it takes me back.
I was surrounded by 15-20 fraternity brothers…some I knew really well…others I didn’t know at all. They were all pretty big guys.
I was the only girl left at the party.
The last thing I remember is the room spinning…and the bass from the speakers was killing my head.
That’s the last thing I remember.
I woke up early the next morning on the couch.
There was a warm fuzzy blanket draped over me…my shoes were on the floor beside me…there was a trash can next the couch too…my clothes were on.
Those 15-20 fraternity brothers took care of me.
They didn’t take anything that wasn’t theirs.
And you know, I wasn’t dressed what some would call “appropriate.” I had a belly shirt on…low cut jeans with a flannel wrapped around my waist. I’m sure I was overly giddy…maybe even flirtatious considering the amount of alcohol I drank.
The night could have ended a lot differently for me because it was a textbook situation we have been taught to avoid. Skin was showing…alone at a party…too much alcohol.
IT. DID. NOT. MATTER.
They didn’t take anything that wasn’t theirs.
They respected me.
They protected me.
It’s not what we wear.
It’s not a look we give.
It’s not how much we drink.
It is how we are raised and how we value another human being.
Not only was I forever grateful to those 15-20 fraternity brothers…I was forever grateful to their parents.
It’s not just our job to teach our daughters about situations to avoid…
It’s our job to teach our sons to respect women.
Period.
I have to admit, I was ready to be upset that you were shaming fraternities. There is good and evil everywhere in this world and we can only control what we are putting into it. If anything, this time in our history has given parents an opportunity to have those conversations with our sons and daughters about how to act in these situations. Be respectful and no means no. I have sons and a daughter and I would hope that if they were in this same situation that they would have the same outcome. Have a great day!
I would never shame Greek Life…I was in a sorority and I served as the President of Panhellenic. It shaped who I am and I am very grateful
If something horrible had happened to her, it wouldn’t have been “shaming” the fraternity. It would have been telling the story of what happened. I’m immensely thankful that the blogger had a safe night’s sleep.
As a mother of sons and a daughter, I hope that I taught them good values. Although I do worry, what about the 1 time at a party, they got scared, the 1 time someone screamed, yelled or got aggressive. How would they respond? Knee jerk reflexes. scream, yell, beg, or be physical, push, shove, or put their hand over someones mouth. Maybe run, removing themselves from the situation. I pray that we never find out that something like this has ever happened. I pray that they would not be seen as a criminal 20, 30, 40 years later. Proud Mother of 4 awesome adults.
Love the message. I was a little sister at a fraternity and was always treated with utmost respect. They cared about my safety sometimes more than my alcohol influenced, “I can do anything and will be fine” mind allowed me. A wonderful group of men. Thank you for putting your experience in words for the rest of us to share.
I relate to this so much! The boys at the house I hung out at also took care of me. Gave me a blanket, let me sleep on the couch, and put my keys on the mantle. A couple time they woke me up with water and ibuprofen.
This was a great article. With the world full of TFM and Old Rowe, people need to know what fraternity life if really like. Great article. A toast to you, ma’am.
This too was what I experienced with my fraternity brothers. I was a little sister to Lambda Chi Alpha and they protected me like a sister. I felt safe with them 100%. They were true gentlemen . Greek life was such a positive aspect during my college years.
I love this story but at the same time, I think we should still teach our daughters about how to avoid these situations. Unfortunately, there are still boys out there, key word boys, that won’t listen even if their parents teach them properly. Sons AND Daughters need to be taught.
Let’s also not forget, frat guys aren’t the biggest threat… sex trafficking is so real and those people come in all genders and ages. Definitely teach your daughters AND sons situations to avoid. You can’t control everyone around them but you can control their knowledge of an unsafe situation. This situation honestly was one and I’m thankful people did raise their sons right in this situation, but not everyone does. Teach both.
I love this post. It is short and sweet, yet it speaks volumes. It gives me hope.