Like millions of others, I grew up watching “Fat Albert,” “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World.” Bill Cosby was a household name not only because of this, but because I grew up in a Temple University family. My dad was a professor at Temple University (Bill Cosby’s alma mater), and my mom worked at the student health center and Temple Hospital. My brother started attending Temple in 1988, and I followed in 1992.

Bill and Camille Cosby spoke at my commencement ceremony, when the death of their son was still fresh. It was heartbreaking to hear them talk about Ennis. They didn’t have to share their personal tragedy with a stadium full of strangers, but they did. The message? Life is precious and the world a violent place. Do what you can to make the world a better place to prevent future tragedies. Also, live every day to your fullest potential.

I’d been following the trial and felt very conflicted. If the allegations were true, then Cosby was a sexual predator who deserved to face the consequences. I believe someone is innocent until proven guilty and remained hopeful that Cosby would be cleared because I didn’t want him to be a sexual predator.

However, as a survivor of sexual assault myself, I know far too well the lasting impact being violated has on a person. Cosby has been found guilty, and while I’m disappointed, he needs to be sentenced to the full extent of the law. Make an example out of him, for there are too many people in positions of power who abuse others and get away with it. His motivational words from over 20 years ago now ring hollow, for he wasn’t living up to his fullest potential or doing his best to make the world a better place.

Ellen Fechenda

Temple University, Class of 1997

Portland

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