I am an extroverted person, who is always open to conversation. I love meeting people new people, and I am very open; however, one thing that is very important to me is respect.

On a sunny day in Richmond, before I headed back home, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt standing outside of the restaurant that I had just eaten brunch at with my best friend. I was trying to soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful day, but a few very loud college-aged guys in a Jeep had a different idea for me. They were stopped at a red light directly in front of where I was standing, and they proceeded to hoot and holler at me until I looked up from my phone. I may be wrong, but I believe the best way to woo a woman is not to start with, “Hey baby, I love that ass!”

To the group of men who catcalled me from their Jeep, I am sorry that you all don’t know how to treat women. I am sorry that you all have such low self-confidence that you all are unable to talk to a woman without degrading her. I am more than my body. I am a strong woman, who is almost all of the way through college. I am my mind. I am a future teacher. I am somebody's daughter. I am a giver and a lover.

I am sorry that you all have forgotten the respect that all of your parents taught. You all are part of the problem. It is the fault of men like you all that have given men from our generation a bad name. There are still so many gentlemen that are our age, but the harassment that guys like you all direct at women overshadows their decency and kindness. Take a note from the gentlemen around campus and ask them how to talk to women.

Did it give you all power to watch me standing uncomfortably alone on the street with you all staring at me like a piece of meat? Would the joke still be funny if you all witnessed this happen to your girlfriends, sisters, aunts, mothers, or best friends? Would you all enjoy watching a group of men having power trips over how they were able to make her uncomfortable and self-conscious in her own skin? I don’t think so. So, why is it okay, when the woman is a stranger?

Remember, you all will never have women who truly care for you, until some respect is learned. Respect is the cornerstone of a good relationship. Love comes from knowing the other person knows your mind, not just your body. Please, gentlemen who think catcalling is a good pastime, find a better one. Respect the women around you. Respect yourself enough to not be thatguy. You are better than that, believe it.