a news story hit me hard

I happened to catch on the radio the story of Rehtaeh Parsons, a young woman in Nova Scotia who was raped and had pictures of her rape shown around her school, and how she has committed suicide.

I wish I could have talked with her. As a survivor of rape, I would have liked the opportunity to tell her she isnt alone, and that she could survive, and even thrive.

I hope they can punish the boys who raped her, but no matter what they do to them, she's gone, and will never have the chance to be able to say what I can:

I'm stronger, braver, more compassionate because I have taken this experience and used it to help me grow.

Because I'm not a victim anymore.

I'm a survivor.