You thought it wouldn’t be you. I am a strong and independent person. It just doesn’t happen to people like me.

Well, unfortunately, it does.

In the aftermath of something that traumatic, trying to find yourself again is the hardest part. You try to figure out why these things happen to good people and try not to completely lose your self-worth. Filled with shame, you still can’t believe that it has happened to you. It can’t. Why would someone want to do that to another human being?

What most people don’t understand is that talking about it can be impossible in the beginning, because you might not want to accept it yet. You don’t have to speak out and make it your life’s mission to stop sexual assault, but you should talk to someone. Talking to someone a year later is better than never talking. It might just be a therapist or a friend, but someone is far better than no one.

My heart breaks to know that so many people’s lives have been ultimately changed from this, and they didn’t think they could talk to someone about it. No one should have to cope with all of those emotions and memories by themselves. It might seem like you are all alone in this, but you truly aren’t. There is someone out there who is there to talk to you, and by telling them your story, they might have a story to share with you.

Unfortunately, almost everyone, maybe not directly, is affected by sexual assault.

It will happen to friends, loved ones, and acquaintances. The terrible thing is, you might not even realize that people you love are going through this. About 20% of women will be sexually assaulted while attending college, and of those victims, 42% don't speak out. They might portray an ordinary life on the outside, faking the happiness. But on the inside, they are going through so much.

People cannot stop talking about this, because it will not stop happening. I have friends and loved ones affected by sexual assault, and sadly enough, I have also been affected.

In saying this, I hope this helps someone going through this know that you can fight through it. The world might seem like it’s turning without you and you don’t know how to move on, but you have to hold on and find yourself again. It took me a long time, but I found a better version of myself. I found a stronger, more independent version of myself that I love so much.

It will get better, I promise. There are probably so many people out there willing to be there for you and love you, but you have to let them. You are worthy of love and you might be changed from this, but it doesn’t have to be for the worst.