To Tim Davis:

You do not know me, but I have read your articles for more than a year and have been impressed with (if not agreed with) all of them.

This summer I lived in the Theta Chi house, in the room known as the “crow’s nest.” That room no longer exists. I was brought abruptly, almost violently, to that realization on Monday as I strolled past the house for the first time since the fire.

While I only lived there for three months, that little room meant a lot to me. I was no longer welcome at my home in Minneapolis, and I didn’t have any friends close enough to Ames that I could stay with.

Theta Chi gave me a place to sleep, eat, and occasionally drink…along with a glimpse of the Greek system that I had spent my freshman year growing increasingly hostile to.

Although I am an “out” lesbian, I did not experience the discrimination or the prejudice which I was anticipating. That room was my home.

While I did not lose any belongings in the fire, I still experienced a small piece of the sadness.

My heart goes out to the men of Theta Chi who lost their homes, their belongings and their memories in those flames. I cannot even begin to imagine.

Cass Topinka

Sophomore

Liberal Arts and Sciences