I grew up sexually abused as a child starting at 4 years of age. This abuse continued for 10 years. I was told "not to tell," as most abuse victims are, and I didn't. I grew up learning to survive the best I could. I later married into a physically abusive relationship, and stayed there for 10 years. I got the tattoo of the word "Speak" on my wrist as a reminder that I have a voice I can use, and that I have value as a person. I am thankful that I found my voice and use it today, to help others....
In high school my advisor was the visual arts teacher. I looked up to her for everything. She was my idol. One day she told me straight to my face I could never get into art school and that my dreams were unreasonable. I gave myself this tattoo that night....