"Sister Mary Joseph's early discussions with my mom were about my schoolwork, but they changed a month or so into the school year. Soon she was also asking my mom about my bruises, my illnesses, and how tired I seemed. From the back of the room, while I pretended to focus on my coloring book, I liste"
"As summer drew to a close, I looked forward to starting school but also felt a deep sense of dread that fall was coming. Some parts inside of me were aware that I was abused more during the fall and winter because I was more accessible to my father; the days were shorter and I had fewer places to go"
"Mike scurried to pull up his pants and stood there looking verysmall. I ran over to Dona Graciela, hugged her through the fence, and cried into her dress. Dona Graciela stroked my hair and said: "I' m watching, Olguita." A.J. came over to the fence and asked Mike if he was okay, but Mike just kept h"
""Veronica, for the past two years I've been recalling memories of abuse from when I was a child. I'm in therapy, but it's a grueling process. I have an ADA accommodation to see my therapist four times a week, but I'm about to start seeing him five times a week for ninety-minute sessions. I'm not abl"
"Veronica came around her desk and sat in the chair next to me. "I would love to have you in my office. You would bring a wealth of knowledge—not just your legal skills, but an understanding of what a victim goes through. You can help us all keep that in mind. You can help us understand healing and t"
"After a moment, I collected myself and thanked her. I walked down the five flights of stairs to my office, avoiding the elevator because I didn't want to be seen crying. Back at my office, I was surprised to find Marty waiting for me. He had Dr. Summer's letter in his hand. Dr.Summer had written abo"
"He said, I'm so sorry. I'm not sure we've been the supportive workplace you thought we were. I'll help you in whatever way I can. Crying again now myself, I closed the door and hugged him. "Thank you. You're a good friend." We sat there with tears streaming down our faces. "Marty, I want to go to OV"
""Does Veronica know all this?" He held up the letter. “No, I didn't tell her that much.” "I won't show it to anyone. I'll just tell Rosie that I have what I need to justify the accommodation." I thanked him, trying not to start crying again. I gave him another hug, and he left to make the necessary "