I’m just writing to notify you of what an amazing impact Take Back The Night had last week on Wednesday. It was very informative of support services for survivors of sexual assault, as well as moving when people told their own experiences and motivated others to be strong and share their stories as well. The groups that held the event were so supportive of the speakers, and all the shirts that were done by students were very touching.

That night something happened within the Talley Ballroom that will follow us- the audience and volunteers- for a very long time. It was a very powerful event that touched my very soul to be honest. The room was filled with love and support, as well as motivation to keep moving forward and to be strong. The stories shared were sad, but at the same time those strong and courageous women showed us that it is possible to keep moving forward after being sexually assaulted, and that life gets better and has its own special purpose for us.

Those women that were able to speak in front of an audience full of strangers inspired me, moved me, and made me want to strive for more in life, because even though they are still working on healing, they are able to be happy and spread joy to those around them. Hopefully one day I will be able to be as strong as each and every one of them.

Frances De Los Santos

freshman, psychology