Sophomore year I stood in this stage and told my story. It was one of the hardest things I ever did. It was also the most freeing. As the words spilled out of my mouth my voice trembled. All the fear, violence, trauma, sadness, anxiety and anger started to leave my body. As soon as I was done I walked out and went home to take one of the deepest sleeps I had had in about a year. That was the real start of my healing. Letting go of my story and putting it out into the world made me feel like it wasn’t my burden to carry anymore. Once said I could no longer have turn over my head. I could no longer question whether it happened or not or how it happened. It was no longer my story to keep. Ever since I let go of that I’ve been able to sleep again, to think again, to smile, to be happy, to be more than just a survivor. It’s been a really long rocky road to recovery but today I love myself more than ever before. I have goals and dreams and aspirations. I’m here today to tell you all that you are strong af and even though it feels like that cloud will never go away, that weight will never lift it will. You will make it through. You will succeed. You will over come. Don’t ever give up! I love you all and reach out if you ever need a reminder that you are amazing!