Stephanie A Rape victim shares her story as she is set to graduate ...

Stephanie, a student at North Caroline State University, has shared her triumph story as she’s set to graduate in some days’ time. According to her, she was raped in her sophomore year.
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Writing on her website, she said: “During the fall semester of my sophomore year I went out to a party with my best friends. The night, which was filled with drinks, laughs and good times, slowly but surely led to events that would alter the course of my life.
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When I returned from the party, I invited a friend over to stay the night. This friend and I had been out a few times, my parents trusted him and it wasn't the first time he had spent the night...
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I was exhausted and intoxicated but as he ran me a shower I remember vividly telling him that I had no intentions of having sex with him. Later that night I woke up with him on top of me, raping me without protection...
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I cried, I asked him to stop and he told me to shh and let him finish. I cried but I laid there paralyzed. The next few days were a blur. I remember being a functional zombie for weeks...
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For weeks, I withdrew from my friends and family members. I skipped class and missed work. I barely passed any of my classes and I seriously considered dropping out...
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My energy was zapped as I saw my rapist everywhere. By mid second semester, he announced he was running for a very public position on campus. I watched as most of the black community, people I called friends, campaigned for my rapist...
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On the night I planned to kill myself, my best friend saved my life. My other friend walked me to the counseling center the next day and thus began my journey to healing.
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I still struggle with depression and I still struggle with PTSD. I still struggle with nightmares. I still go to counseling but I'm so much better...
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I've dedicated my existence to loving, laughing and helping others. I never imagined that I'd be graduating from one of the top institutions in the country or that I'd be addressing my graduating class as the commencement speaker.”