Our Story

Kayla and Athena met each other as students on a study abroad trip. As we walked the streets of a Greek village one evening, we began talking about the struggles and triumphs of undergraduate life. Of course we discussed classes, dorm life, and the opportunity to study abroad. But we both agreed that not everything about college had been easy. We skirted around the issue, until we both realized that we both worked with Mary, who was our advisor dedicated to helping students who were survivors. This realization gave Kayla and Athena a beautiful and lifelong gift: a friendship with someone supportive who understands that healing is not linear. Our stories were very different, but our healing was parallel, and without Mary and the support system we had in place, our time at the university would have been much different and more difficult.

Unfortunately, the resources that were available to Kayla and Athena at our undergraduate school are no longer available to students there, and similar resources are uncommon at most universities. Victims and survivors in school may have access to a Title IX coordinator, campus or city police, or campus counseling services, but these services are each dedicated to one possible aspect of a student’s healing, and are confined to the boundaries of those positions. Our vision for holistic healing could mean supporting a student as they navigate the various resources available to them. It could mean students have a place for support where they don’t need to talk to law enforcement or school officials. It could mean career advice, academic support, or a listening ear. Ultimately, our dream is for students who are survivors to feel supported and empowered, and to successfully heal, thrive, and complete their education.