Dear Freshman Me: A Letter About the Red Zone
By Jane Doe
Dear Freshman Me,
If I could whisper one thing to you right now, it would be this; you are not alone. I know this season you are stepping into feels bright and full of promise, and it is, but I also know it holds a darkness most do not talk about. The Red Zone, the time from move-in through Thanksgiving break, is when students, especially freshmen, are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence. It’s a difficult reality that too many students face without the support they deserve.
If you find yourself hurting physically or emotionally, if you feel lost, scared, or ashamed, I want you to hear this loud and clear, none of it is your fault. None of it ever will be regardless of what others may say or how you may be feeling yourself. I know the silence of carrying all of this weight feels crushing. The heavy loneliness feels as if you are drowning in a sea of “what ifs” and “why me’s.” The constant fear that no one will understand, believe, or stand with you. Please hold on to this truth; you are so much more than what happened to you. You are brave and fiercely strong.
Even on your darkest days when hope feels distant remember this, there is light ahead. Healing is not linear, but it is possible. You have a strength inside you even when it feels buried deep down inside you. Your story matters, your voice matters, and the world needs to hear it. Do not carry this burden in silence. Reach out even if it is just a whisper at first. There are people who see you, who believe you, and who want to help carry the weight. You deserve to be safe. heard, and to reclaim your life with love and dignity.
So freshman me, hold your head high. You are not broken. You are not alone. You are a survivor, and you are worthy of every beautiful thing life can offer.
If you are reading this and carrying that silence right now please know there is hope and help waiting for you. You do not have to face this alone. The Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center offers free confidential support whether you need someone to listen, guidance on next steps, or a safe space to heal.
What can you do now?
Reach out to someone you trust, a friend, family member, counselor, or advocate. In addition, you can also call out 24/7 Crisis Hotline
Explore resources designed to support you through every step of your journey on DARCC’s website
Remember healing takes time and every step forward no matter how small is powerful
Share this letter with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes knowing someone else understands can change everything
You are stronger than you know. Your story is your power. Together we can build a community that listens, believes, and supports every survivor.
If you or someone you know needs help contact the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center anytime at 214-941-1991 (24/7 hotline) or visit dallasrapecrisis.org.