Comrades True

I debated on whether or not to address the recent  arrests at my alma mater and decided that it was my duty to speak to a University that did so much for me. First and foremost I am saddened by the recent arrest of 17 students at TCU for dealing drugs. I am, however, proud of my alma mater for taking a stance against drugs use on campus and for have the class to address the issue openly and publicly. Our campus family was humbled yesterday. So many of those that are a part of the TCU family often forget that our university, although special in our eyes, is no different than any other college or university in the nation. We are not immune to the everyday trials and tribulations of American society. The truth is the use of drugs on college campuses is on the rise and TCU is not alone in dealing with this problem. As the pressure rises to maintain GPAs and excel on and off the field, students have turned to prescription drugs and recreational drugs to relax and have a good time. It is an epidemic.

Prayer vigil held on campus last night

I admit when I attended TCU I knew that people used drugs and could tell you which Greek organizations were known for drugs use. Did I see it used openly, no, did I know if it was sold on campus or close to, no, but I chose not to affiliate myself with people who used and sold drugs--that does not mean it did not happen. I did know students who abused alcohol, had eating disorders, and had other issues. I still left TCU with a sense that my University was different. TCU fosters a relationship between its faculty, students, and staff that I feel not many other universities do. I know I left with a slight over-glorified perception of the TCU experience. Its just something you do not understand unless you went there. I truly believe that the University strives to instill in its students its mission statement: "To educate individual to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community."

TCU students come together in time of sorrow

So as much as I am saddened by the news, I am also proud to be a TCU alumna. I applaud University administration and police for taking an active role in this situation. How the University has handled this situation speaks volumes for the University. The true test of character is how you handle your downfalls and mistakes. Chancellor Boschini and the police chief, as well as Gary Patterson have been forthcoming, honest, and have not shied away from media attention. I truly believe this institution has the healthy, safety and well-being of all its students to think of. This proactive step to apprehend and remove toxic students from the campus is about showing the campus, state, and nation that TCU will not tolerate this kind of behavior on campus regardless of who you are. As was stated by Boschini, this is not a student-athlete problem, although the media has harped on this point, this is a bigger issue. So thank you TCU for being the University I know and love. Thank you for caring about the health and safety of your students, your family. "Light of faith, follow through, Hail to the, T C U." ~The Illegal Blonde

Me with the colorguard in 2003