I was horrified when I saw the headlines. As I read articles about the father and son who did the unimaginable to you, I was sickened and furious.
Last Tuesday, you were in the Hewitt dorm building with new friends. You were enjoying your freshman orientation, getting to know your new campus at Illinois State University and getting ready for your upcoming year at college.
A father and son, both visiting for the same orientation you were, put you through horrors no person deserves. A grown man bought you and other freshmen alcohol. The father drugged your drink, and his son raped you twice. I’m so, so sorry.
The hearts of Redbirds everywhere are bleeding for you. We are furious that what should have been a wonderful visit for you turned into a nightmare. We are frustrated that we cannot do more to help you, could not be there to protect you. We cry for you, and we cry out for justice with you.
We are here for you, darling. Listen to us when we say you have a family in us. At Illinois State, you will be protected and loved and respected, and you will be part of our Redbird family.
If you are still able to attend school in the fall, know that we will fill up your heart with love. The friends you will meet at school will go with you on your first trip to Target, Insomnia Cookies and Uptown Circle, and you’ll laugh and sing your way through your first weekend here. The quad will soothe your spirit, filling your nose with the smell of crisp leaves, your ears with the chatter of students and your eyes with sunshine. Your professors will support you, sharing with you the knowledge that will take you so far in life. They will understand when things get tough, and work with you to get you to success. Student Services will rally behind you, with counselors, doctors, deans and receptionists alike giving you any and all support you need freely and with a smile. Your squeaky dorm bed will comfort you after long study sessions, and your dorm neighbors will rally behind you to get you through finals.
College will fill you up. It will challenge you and enable you to meet your potential and shine your brightest. Regardless of whether or not you can attend ISU in the fall, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You will not find the monsters that did this to you on our campus. At ISU, you will find only love, acceptance and home. No matter what, you will always be a Redbird. We love you.
