Charlotte

          “My best friend gave me this necklace for my birthday in November this year and it is important to me for multiple reasons. During this time, I was finally beginning to cope with my assault and the emotions I had avoided dealing with for over a year were beginning to show, and my best friend knew I was having a hard time with this.

          My sexual assault was in August before my freshman year and I met my friend almost immediately after I moved in to my dorm. She has been with me from the beginning of my healing process and will continue to be there. My freshman year was really difficult because the assault happened almost right before I moved away. Adjusting to college life is already difficult and is a very busy time so I never fully accepted what happened to me or properly dealt with my emotions. I had difficulty sleeping for a while, I felt unmotivated, anxious about seeing my assailant in class (we go to the same school) and worthless.  

          Despite how much this experience affected me, I felt so lucky to find a best friend as soon as I moved in. I am so grateful for her unwavering support, love, and ability to understand what I am feeling; these qualities have helped me as I have finally allowed myself to grieve and cope with my assault over a year later. At times I felt broken, but my friend was always there for me to remind me that is not true.

          She chose this necklace based off the meaning behind the stone, Amazonite, which is believed to soothe emotional trauma by alleviating fear and worry and also boost self-confidence. I realized I needed help with these things, especially my self-confidence because I often felt helpless and unsure about my abilities. I’ve been wearing this necklace ever since she gave it to me because it has helped me to remember I am loved and always deserve love. Every time I look in the mirror, I see the necklace and am reminded to stay strong, be calm in times of inner turmoil, and be confident in myself and my abilities.” –Charlotte, 20