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Flickers of Hope

The past year has been what I can only describe as horrible. I was the victim of a crime and so many emotions erupted inside me I didn't know who I was any more. To make matters worse it had happened on Valentines Day. I can remember thinking to myself, “the one day of the year where people go out of their way to share their love towards one another and look what happened to me.”

Afterwards I was adamant about hiding it from my friends and family. I told myself it was my burden to bear. I knew it would break my parent's hearts if they knew and my friends would freak out. So I put on a smile and tried so hard to act okay.

There was one person though, who just wouldn't believe my lies and who saw the fear beneath my girly masquerade. He was my teacher and I honestly don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for him. After multiple attempts from him to get me to open up, one day I finally couldn't handle the pain anymore. I knew there was no way I could live my life like this and I had to do something about it.

After class I tried to tell him but instead I couldn't find any words and just started sobbing. He held me and for the first time since my experience I actually felt safe. He immediately contacted my counselor and our schools community resources officer and let me know that there were people out there to help me. I sat in my counselor's office for hours that day, and although I wasn't better by any means I felt this immense weight lifted off my shoulders. From there I told my family and we have been working so hard to get through this together.

Its' been a little over a year now and I have been through a lot. And there have been days where life just didn't seem worth it. But flickers of hope from people like my teacher have kept me going. I would never wish this upon anyone but looking back I can find the positive, like how much closer my family is now, and how much perspective I have gained.

I know my purpose now, and that is to help. To help anyone I can because I know what it feels like when you need it and the way your heart feels when receive it.

I am forever grateful to my teacher who was the first person there for me. I'm thankful for all the people I have met throughout this journey and who have been positive help towards me healing. And I am so appreciative of my family's constant support, love and understanding.

THANK YOU.

Story was submitted anonymously