STORIES

" I had no idea just how much this class was going to affect my life and how I see myself. Honestly, in the beginning, I was not sure if I was strong enough to go through with the class, but, somewhere along the way, I found this incredible strength that was hidden inside of me. And I have found myself. After I was raped, I truly feel that, for the last eight years, a part of me was silenced and had fallen asleep. But over the past five weeks, that part of me fully woke up -- pissed off to no end and determined to fight and take back what I had lost so many years ago. Now, I feel like that scared, lost 15-year-old girl is finally at peace and safe. I feel this awesome empowerment, not only because I know I can defend myself physically, but vocally and emotionally as well. I found my voice, and I won't ever let it be silenced again! Last night . . . I looked at myself in the mirror and all I could do was smile and say that I am okay . . . I haven't been able to look at myself and feel good about myself for a really long time. Instead of seeing a helpless, weak little girl, I now see a strong and beautiful woman who is ready to take on whatever life throws at me. And I cannot put into words just how amazing that feels. I was crying earlier this morning not because I was upset, but because I was so happy about who I have become. "

-Libby