Two Years Ago Today -I Committed to Sharing My Survivor Story + Found My Voice!
A walk down the halls I once roamed as a teenager.
March 1, 2019, was one of the most humbling + surreal moments of my life, when I shared my survivor story with the students at my alma mater, Oak Hills High School, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Today, March 1st, was a huge day for me two years ago (in 2018)… It was the day I hit “publish” on my public Facebook &
Instagram Survivor Journey Pages. It was a life-changing moment for the whole world to see and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! Looking back just five years ago, I probably would have broken down in tears if I had to talk publicly about the assault I survived. I didn’t know how to express my true emotions about it (except to loved ones and close friends) and thought nobody would understand unless they experienced it too…but if I didn’t tell them my story, why would they have the courage to tell me theirs??? Today, you don’t have to ask me about my survivor story because I will tell you, with the utmost COURAGE + STRENGTH in my whole heart! I keep my head held high and my only wish is that you do the same if you have walked through this same dark tunnel. My biggest breakthrough
in my healing journey was being able to share my story and be a VOICE for others! Of course, it was scary and I had to FACE MY FEAR, because my purpose + mission to be a voice for others was BIGGER THAN MY FEAR ITSELF! But I knew I was ready and I no longer hesitated to talk publicly, all in an effort to help SAVE, HEAL, HELP, EMPOWER + INSPIRE another soul! I knew if I could help just ONE person it would all be worth it, and I know I’ve already accomplished that and so much more.
Since 2018, I’ve hosted several empowering and intimate topic talk events, women’s only firearms training courses, public speaking events, launched a new website where I can share more of my survivor journey & services and so much more. One specific highlight over the past few years was on March 1, 2019, a day I will always remember! (And no, I did not pick this specific date. It just happened to be the best date for the school, another sign from the universe that I was on the right path...) I had the honor of speaking before high school students at my alma mater, Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, OH. This moment was so incredibly humbling because from day one of this journey I had one wish, that I could speak to the students that sit in the seats where I once sat (literally!!!) AND I DID!!! The students were so engaged and listened intently as I vividly painted the picture of my story and that I was once them, a young teenager walking the same halls that they do. I didn’t sugar coat a thing because I wanted them to know the reality of what happened and how I wished I’d heard what I told them at their age. I’m so grateful for that opportunity and thankful that the students
listened and I know hearing my story made a difference in their perspective on sexual assault awareness, prevention, education and healing. I received several thank you letters from the students in the weeks after my speech, which SOLIDIFIED that I’m on the right path and will continue to be a VOICE for others and share my survivor journey.
I’m hopeful that by sharing how my journey has evolved to where it is today will give another survivor hope + courage along theirs’! We are all STRONGER TOGETHER and you are NEVER ALONE! My promise to all survivors is that you’ll find true healing when you find your VOICE and share it with others. My momentum for 2020 is staying strong, and I’m currently scheduling some empowering events and classes, so stay tuned to my website for more INSPIRATION in 2020!