An Opinion by Katelynn VanVekoven
Contributing writer
“Stop, no don’t touch me there…” Susie Fry Director of Violence Prevention began to sing to the fresh new faces of Southeastern. She danced around the gym floor as she drew an imaginary square around her pelvic area continuing “…this is my no-no square…”.
This is a song that Mrs. Susie Fry sings to each generation of students at orientation. With her bright enthusiasm and smiling face she can quickly grabs your attention to talk about what may seem to be a dark but ever so important conversation.
Speaking with Director Fry can teach us many things. It can open a world of kayos many of us never knew existed, and for those of us who do can bring up some bad memories and hurtful times.
In a happy, yet twisted way what Violence Prevention Director Fry is trying to get across to us in song form is that we don’t live in a perfect world were the sun is always shinning and the air smells like warm root beer. What she is trying to say is that the world is a dark, cruel place where most of us are unaware. Most live in a bubble we refuse to pop.
It starts when we are children. Some of us are lucky enough to have the parents that tell us not to get in the car with strangers or not eat our Halloween candy without them checking it first. Some on the other hand, are one of many who are physically and verbally abused.
However, as we grow our parents don’t remind us on a daily basis that we are in harms’ way. That danger could be lurking around every corner, or a warm walk in the park could turn into a huge mistake.
College is supposed to be a wonderful place where you meet new people, try new things, perhaps figure out who you are, what you want to be “when you grow up”, and how you want to live your life. College is filled with many great and exciting classes, events, and people.
With every up there is a down, even for the wonderful world of college. The truth is college can be the one of the most dangerous environments to be in. Students on a daily bases are verbally abused, cyber stalked, stalked, beaten by not only peers, but family and partners, sexually assaulted, and even raped.
The good news is that Mrs. Susie Fry is here to help. As the Director of Violence Prevention she not only does what she can to prevent violence but is working with the Board of Education and motivated students to help put a stop to it.
In September of 2007 the school was granted with money to fund what we call the “Green Dot Program”. Which is a program only five universities in Oklahoma participate in. “This University had the guts to start this program” Susie stated smiling ear to ear. The Green Dot Program is designed for students and faculty to get involved in helping those in need by reminding us of our morals. Telling us “hey, it’s not right to beat your girlfriend” and doing all we can to help stop it. Sadly, if we do not make more progress in doing so the funds will be cut in September of 2012.
The Green Dot also provides many activities students can participate in to help with violence prevention such as: self-defense classes, fundraisers, meetings, memorials walks and there is so much more you can find by logging on to se.edu.
If a student is being violated in any way super hero Susie is in her office in the Student Union room 329 from 8:00 to 5:00 on regular week days. However, violence doesn’t run on a weekday schedule so Susie can also be reached at any time at (580)745-3102 . Susie is there if a student needs help with something or just needs a person to talk to that can help, and if requested a private talk.
Director Fry says that the best thing we can do is to “Just be aware and now what is out there and that it can happen to you.”
Although Mrs. Susie Fry is what some would call a “happy-go-lucky” individual and may start of her speeches with a funny little song she always ends with a somewhat darker yet ever so important message. “…R-A-P-E. Rape is a felony.”