To The Media, Love BSU
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

To The Media, Love BSU

An open letter to the media from one Bridgewater State University student.

21
To The Media, Love BSU

We've all experienced it. You're watching TV, minding your own business and suddenly, the news is talking about the latest thing that happened at BSU. So, you sit there, enraged, because the entire world (or at least surrounding area) is getting another reason to hate your University. So, here is an open letter to the media, because I am starting to get increasingly frustrated with how my home is portrayed.

To the news stations, radio stations, newspapers, etc.

I understand that you have a job to do. We all have to make money, feed ourselves, pay our bills and live in this world. But, at the expense of a whole community of people, I would like to say, enough is enough. A lot of us here at BSU feel that we have become a target. I will admit, the things that have happened on our campus as of late are unacceptable. Sexual assault is never OK, but neither is the way you are reporting it. We are NOT the only campus that experiences sexual assault. Although this is an unfortunate fact, it makes me wonder why you are targeting OUR campus. Especially since our campus takes the time to let us know when anything is reported, even when it is already resolved and they are not legally required to let us know, that way we can take the extra precautions necessary to keep ourselves safe. I also feel that it is something to be commended that victims feel comfortable enough to come forward when they have been assaulted, so measures can be taken to apprehend their attacker. But, with your sensationalist coverage of everything that goes on at our campus, who would want to come forward? You are creating fear. Parents are asking students to drop out, people are creating false reports for attention, and all anyone can talk about is how Bridgewater continually experiences more sexual assaults. What about all of the good that Bridgewater has done? How much time on your news programs did you take to report about our Martin Richard Statue? Maybe a day? Has anyone reported about the countless organizations on campus that work tirelessly to raise money for causes such as Relay for Life and CPDC? Will there be any articles about our Homecoming this past weekend, and how it brought together a tight-knit community of people who have become nothing less than a family? Ask anyone on this campus and you will find that BSU is much MUCH more than what you talk about on the news. We are a diverse group of people who have not only come together to seek a higher education, but have worked hard to better ourselves and the world around us at the same time.

But, no one sees this. Because of what you report, when I proudly say that I go to Bridgewater, I am immediately asked about the negative things that have happened here. Someday, when I go to interview for a job, will that be the first question my interviewer asks me? Will it matter that I have spent countless hours pursuing an Education Degree at one of the best schools in America for education?

So, next time you think about reporting again about BSU, think about what you are doing. Leave the victims and BSU alone and find something else to report about.

Respectfully,

Stephanie

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57849
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37270
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958964
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192120
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments