I came back home , re-enrolled in high school , and graduated amongst the top of my class . I knew my life-changing experience was meant to be . On October 11 , 2002 — exactly three months and four days from my North Carolina incident — my house caught fire with my mother , sister , nephew , niece , and me inside . My room was engulfed in smoke . I ran downstairs . At the burglar bar door , we needed the key that was in the den , which was on fire . We screamed and banged at the top of our lungs . Again , I felt the pull of life or death . Only this time , I was in control .
“ But , I am so alone .” She said , “ With Jesus you ’ re never alone .”
Suddenly , glimmering like gold was a loose screw . I was reminded of this door . We never got around to fixing it . I pulled the screw and knocked the window out . My family and I escaped to safety . One would think that my story ended there , but it barely touched the surface .
Thirteen days after graduating high school , I enrolled in college , only to find out the harsh reality of date rape on college campuses . Within four weeks of college , I had been given alcohol to the point that I was unaware of having sex . I was date raped off campus twice , and ostracized for trying to report it .
After the second time that this happened to me , I got up enough gumption to go to my guidance counselor . I sought help . However , I was asked if I was concerned with “ taking care of myself ” or “ getting these guys in trouble ?” I was referred to the health center .
I was raped — of my pride , dignity , and self-worth . Once again , I had to cope with something else that I had caused . With memories of this atrocity floating in my head , I struggled to continue class ; I felt like everyone was watching me and knew my dirty little secret . That is when
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