A little over a year ago, I could not have been more excited to see the All American Rejects, Mayday Parade and Blink-182 at Blossom Music Center. I drove my younger sister, one of my best friends and I, and we had our spot all picked out and were waiting between the first two bands when my other friend called.

I volunteered to run over to the gate and find her so no one would be left just sitting alone to save our spot. While waiting on the other side of the gate, a guy walked up to me.

“My friend thinks you’re cute, and he’s an engineering major at [Case Western]” he said while pointing to a very attractive, tall blonde that I would have gladly welcomed meeting if he wasn’t so clearly intoxicated.

However, given his drunken state, I politely did what most girls would do and said “No thank you.” He walked away, and I assumed that was the end of it.

Unfortunately, a few seconds later, the drunk friend was clearly unhappy with being turned down. I tried to be polite, but he persisted, eventually putting his arm around me and trying to pull me into him while asking me to kiss him.

I wish I could say that I fought back, but instead, out of panic, I completely froze. Luckily, his friends noticed, and three or four of them said “She’s not interested” and “Just walk away” while physically pulling him off of me and apologizing.

I don’t like to think about what could have happened if his friends were not there. Throughout this entire situation, there was a security guard within eyesight who just kind of watched but did nothing to intervene.

Overall, I was lucky. He had friends there who prevented the situation.

The first big concert I have been to since was about a month ago. No one should have to fear standing alone in a crowded concert venue for a few minutes while searching for a friend, yet I am.

And that’s why I have to say #MeToo.