Baylor has been in the media constantly throughout the past year and I don’t need to explain why because you already know. Every one knows what has been going on to throw Baylor into a string of bad press. Google Baylor and one of the first things you’ll probably find are the infamous words “Title IX.” It’s sad that an article like this even has to be written; none of it should have ever happened. We, Baylor University, understand that. As students, we don’t make excuses for the mistakes that were made, but we grieve with the students who were treated unjustly and we stand by them in their decision to stand up for themselves. However, I cannot let my school’s reputation be squandered due to a handful of people’s decisions. Baylor isn’t defined by that handful and she’s not defined by the effect their actions have had. It is important that you, the next class to enter your freshman year, understand who Baylor truly is before writing it off from your list, because if you discredit Baylor because of what has happened the past year, you could be making the biggest mistake of your life.

I would first like to make known that I understand the extreme fault in my university’s administrators’ actions. I understand that staff members acted in a way that is unjust, unethical, and hypocritical. I get that and I own that. As a freshman, telling people I was going to Baylor granted me three different responses: Those who I was close to or who had a connection to the school were genuinely excited for me because they knew the incredible experience and education I will receive. Others gave me the “That’s awesome! followed by a subtle smirk. I always knew what that meant. The last response, which I luckily didn’t encounter often, was a question about why I decided to stick with my decision to attend Baylor. They wanted to know how the recent news had affected me and if I was wavering in my decision. The answer then and the answer now is no. Not once did I reconsider. I stuck with Baylor with pride and with confidence because I knew who my school was. Even before I moved in, I could tell what makes Baylor so special. Having been at Baylor for this first semester, I have an even deeper understanding of that.

I thought it was important as applications go out and students start narrowing down their list of colleges that those who were even remotely interested in Baylor know the truth. I want you to know that the atmosphere remains the same. Every one is still friendly and compassionate. I’ve never felt unsafe on campus or that I wouldn’t be taken care of. There are endless amounts of people on the Baylor campus who are there to care about you and to make sure you’re safe. From your CL (RA) to your professors, you will know when you get here how warmhearted the people really are. They genuinely want you to be safe, to feel comfortable, to grow, and to learn. They want you to succeed. That becomes evident during orientation and is reinforced on move-in day.

Baylor isn’t what’s been going on in the media. She’s the bells of Pat Neff and the hymn that is written specifically for each class. She’s the friendly environment that makes anyone feel at home. She’s the friendships that will last a lifetime and the amazing traditions that enforce the Baylor spirit through generations of attendees. Most importantly though, she’s Christian values that hold up the foundations of the university. This remains true today; it hasn’t changed at the slightest. Though our school was thrown into scandal, we remain united through Christ. We have made mistakes and I don’t say that lightly. The decisions that were made broke many hearts, including mine. However, we will come out stronger because the things that make Baylor so great will never expire.

So, to the high school senior who is weary about choosing Baylor due to recent events, I can tell you with one hundred percent confidence that you will love it here and you will be taken care of. You can ask any Baylor student and they will likely tell you the same. Coming to Baylor is so much more than going to any other college; you are bonded to the school and to every other student because the Baylor spirit is real and it’s strong. We will look out for you as we pass the torch over to you. If you get here and you feel uncomfortable or unloved, look me up and we’ll have lunch or something. I have a feeling you won't have to.