Stephanie, a student of North Caroline State
University, has shared her triumph story as she’s set to graduate in
some days’ time. According to her, she was raped in her sophomore year.
.
Writing
on her website, she said: “During the fall semester of my sophomore
year I went out to a party with my best friends. The night, which was
filled with drinks, laughs and good times, slowly but surely led to
events that would alter the course of my life.
.
.
When
I returned from the party, I invited a friend over to stay the night.
This friend and I had been out a few times, my parents trusted him and
it wasn’t the first time he had spent the night. .
.
I
was exhausted and intoxicated but as he ran me a shower I remember
vividly telling him that I had no intentions of having sex with him.
Later that night I woke up with him on top of me, raping me without
protection. .
.
I cried, I asked him to
stop and he told me to shh and let him finish. I cried but I laid there
paralyzed. The next few days were a blur. I remember being a functional
zombie for weeks. .
.
For weeks, I
withdrew from my friends and family members. I skipped class and missed
work. I barely passed any of my classes and I seriously considered
dropping out. .
.
My energy was zapped
as I saw my rapist everywhere. By mid second semester, he announced he
was running for a very public position on campus. I watched as most of
the black community, people I called friends, campaigned for my rapist. .
.
On
the night I planned to kill myself, my best friend saved my life. My
other friend walked me to the counseling center the next day and thus
began my journey to healing.
.
.
I
still struggle with depression and I still struggle with PTSD. I still
struggle with nightmares. I still go to counseling but I’m so much
better. .
.
I’ve dedicated my existence
to loving, laughing and helping others. I never imagined that I’d be
graduating from one of the top institutions in the country or that I’d
be addressing my graduating class as the commencement speaker.”
- “You dey gym for back” – netizens react to Blessing Okoro’s recent dance video
- “All hail the Queen” – Jaiye Kuti chants ‘Oriki’ for Funke Akindele over her grand gesture
- Destiny Etiko, others react as Zubby Michael finally mourns Junior Pope
- “Who is finer?” – Spyro asks as he unveils his twin (Photos)
- Selecting the Best Infinix: A Comprehensive Review of Infinix Smartphone Line-up