And so, it begins. Today, I spoke on Sexual Violence Intervention to 100 or so young men representing the University of Massachusetts football team. In a newly crafted presentation, I walked them through the parts of our nation’s epidemic that I am fairly certain other speakers do not cover because of my hybrid background in communications/PR and college athletics, and victims advocacy.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. The players had just finished practice in the heat and humidity of August two-a-days. And I was asking them to lend me their focus for an hour on difficult subject matter. But they stayed with me which was impressive and appreciated.
I had a strange moment right before taking the podium where I realized that I have spoken so much the past three years, and to all types of audiences in PR, business, sports and otherwise, that I instinctively knew what needed to be done to command their attention. And I felt calm and confident about it. I am not sure how it happened, but somewhere along the way, through all of the studying, and training, and volunteer hours as an advocate, I became the person I hoped to become, doing the kind of work I was born to do. So, UMass Football, I thank you for the honor of having your time and attention today. And, I hope, your respect. Because I won’t forget it, ever.
A Fight Back Woman 