Going to KU was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. In fact, my time in Lawrence, KS has probably been the best time I have had in my life so far!! I loved the school, the town, and the people. Not only did I meet some wonderful people and make some close friendships, but it was also a time of self-discovery.

My first 2 years were spent on the 7th floor of Oliver Hall as a journalism major. Oliver is a co-ed hall that used to be called "The Zoo" when alcohol was allowed on campus! It was still wild, at least on the 4th floor, and a lot of fun. The first week of a school year is called Hawk Week. This is a time when you learn KU traditions and have ice-breaking opportunities to meet new students. According to the Greeks on campus, it is called Country Club Week because of the parties. At the time (it has changed since then), they had open after-hours parties. For a lot of this, it was the perfect opportunity to meet 'boys' and indulge in alcohol, something our parents wouldn't let us do at home. I had never gone to drinking parties in high school, and I only nursed a couple of drinks at these parties, which got me buzzed. We had a great time, even though the gals on my floor at the dorm got trashed. Good thing we were in walking distance. The rest of the year was a struggle in academics (first time in my life I ever had to study), and a lot of fun exploring the fun of college life, like camping out for good seats at KU Basketball games!

My sophomore year, I discovered the ugliness to drinking and Frat parties. I was naive and 18 when my Sophomore year started. With a friend, I went to a TKE party. I met a good looking guy who was interested in me, and we hung out. He asked if I wanted a drink. I said "just one" (I was driving), and he just kept filling up my glass. It was Jungle Juice (a mix of a lot of alcohol, including Everclear, and juice) and I barely would notice it was refilled after a while. Being naive, when he asked if I wanted to go with him and his friends to "hang out" at his house, I said sure. As far as I knew, at the time, we were just going to "hang out." Well after drinking so much that my mouth was practically numb, I had to go pee, and I did. When I came out of the bathroom, all of his friends had disappeared and he was kissing me. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. I was raped. That was the night I lost my virginity. Some may question that, but I wanted to yell NO, but I couldn't talk much less fight him off. Not long after that experience, I entered my 3rd depression. I also made a vow to never be that naive about men again, and to never get that out-of-control because of alcohol again. Thoughts of suicide crept back into my mind, but this time I went for help. I saw one therapist at school, one time, and never again.

My Junior year I became a Resident Assistant at GSP-Corbin Halls, an all-women's residence facility. From that experience I learned even more about myself and grew a great deal. That job, that experience, helped me to make the decision to change my major to psychology, mid-way into my into my Junior year I might add. Amazingly, I was still able to graduate in 4 years. The first year as a RA was difficult. The women on my floor were tough to deal with, and I didn't have the experience yet to know how to set strong, yet fair, parameters for them. However, it was also a teaching experience, and my second year as a RA was a good one. My residents loved me, but most importantly, they respected me. When discipline became an issue, they understood. I also learned more about programming activities and sessions for them on important issues, like rape. Those last 2 years of school moved quickly, and were a blast! I had a great time! I was ready to move on to graduate school, but I knew I would miss my friends, the school, and Residence Life very much.

Graduation was grand. The weather was perfect, and walking down the hill was the greatest. The hardest thing was saying goodbye!

Denise's Room of Inspiration | Previous | The College Years | Next