I wasn’t going to write this article. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for some people to know this about me. Yet I have this voice, and this giant platform so why not use it.

Me too.

Some people know this. Many people don’t. Like my parents, or my family, or some of my favorite people who walk this planet.

I’m sorry you’re finding out this way. I didn’t want to be looked at as if I was broken. Or I couldn’t handle college anymore and needed a break. The world is scary, but the world nowadays seems scarier.

Recently at my University, someone was sexually assaulted in the library bathroom. Luckily, we have an amazing UMPD team, and counselors on campus and the guy was in good arms and felt safe. Not everyone has that.

The first time I wasn’t wrapped in someone’s arms and had people looking for the guy. I was in my dorm shower trying to wash everything off and to feel clean again.

Now, after it’s happened three times… I have strong male figures at school that will punch a guy to the ground if it happens again. If it happens again. I shouldn’t be scared to study at the library or walk across campus after a rehearsal. Yet I’m terrified.

I hate walking alone and I always call someone to stay on the phone with me. I’m scared to go to parties with my friends, and I love going out. I want to live my life without fear.

We shouldn’t be like this. We should feel safe. We shouldn’t be scared of being taken advantage of. We shouldn’t be scared about being groped, or catcalled and what follows after that. Our world right now is so messed up and it needs to change.

People need to hear our voices. People aren’t entitled to our bodies.

To the people who said, ‘me too’ and to the people who are too scared to. It’s ok. You’re ok. I hear you. People around you hear you. We support you. We are proud of you for getting out of bed. And for using your voice.

You are not broken, you have just been through some things that shouldn’t have happened to anyone. Yet guess what? It has made you so much stronger. It might not feel like that right now. But I’m slowly feeling stronger every day.

Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. I have to remind myself daily too. Shower, eat well – but also eat the cake too. This is your life. This is your only body.

Show them you’re so much stronger and that they didn’t break you. I’m proud of you. And I love you. It gets better.