How do you start a conversation with someone when they ask about your childhood? We all want to share those humorous embarrassing moments like your first day of junior high school or your first kiss. Not all childhood memories and experiences are easy to share. Some stories give insight to the challenges no one knew you had to face. For as long as I can remember the need to constantly overcome the thought I can do more has been the task of improving life. I honestly don't have any bad I specifically want to say about my parents but the truth is both my parents were young when I first came into this world. My mother was 17 with an 8th grade education and my dad who was 21 just released from a correctional facility now coming together to start a family and raise a child. They were alcoholics who did the best they could with what they had. Unfortunately, there are incidents that take place in house that has a constant party. I was molested by a trusted family member, my grandfather. Although the abuse end by the time I was 8 years old the mental effects were far greater than words can describe. So since I was a young child although not  a perfect child, I still didn't get everything right I did how ever put extra effort in trying to make it to 18 so that I can live on my own and start a life without haunting thought of those memories. In return the incident made me a strong willful and even stubborn child. Although my dad would say I got that from his side of the family. I worked hard in school, I did my best to stay around people who were actively invovled in anything that would keep me out of trouble. Although statics show children who suffer from secual abuse struggle with severe mental health issues, 90% show PTSD issues within 2 weeks and up to 50% have long term mental damage. I can't say for sure I am not in that category but what I can say is once my parents started working on getting sober and would go to counseling classes I found my way. I have always believed in God and till this day and some point during the year I find a way to a counseling session including a church service. The ability to overcome an unwelcome cold harsh experience is possible. I am proud to say that experience does not dictate who I am today. I am proud to say all the work I did to keep myself mentally strong paid off.

Sexual Assault Statistics 2024: What the Numbers Reveal?