A year ago, I was in a jail cell against my will, not wanting to live. I’d been sold by cruel men as if I was an object for other men, sometimes multiple at a time. They were happy to ruin a young girl’s life to enjoy a few moments of theirs to satisfy their selfish sexual desires. I’m actually amazed that I survived and made it to where I am today.

I’m HAPPY to say that I’ve finally stopped running and fighting to protect myself. I’ve started to trust and truly believe that I have an incredible future ahead of me and that I’m in control. And for the first time in a long time, I feel safe and strong. But maybe most importantly of all, I found my voice and people are listening.

Throughout my teens, it seemed like no one paid attention when I asked for help unless I acted out. So I did what I had to do to survive - Iran, I fought, I became a victim to others who sold my body. I felt disgusting and scared and I didn’t care if I lived or died. I hit rock bottom at 14. That should not be possible.

Through RFK’s Legacy Mentoring program and Tanyka, I got my soul back and realized I was a survivor. Tanyka treated me like a person, and trusted me from the beginning. She let me dress and talk and act like me. She told me how she’d had the same types of humiliating experiences with men who controlled and exploitedher. She took away my shame and helped me understand how I was exploited. Tanyka helped me learn to TRUST and HOPE – step by step, she helped me learn how to see my potential and change my life.

Part of Tanyka’s job was also speaking up for me where I wasn’t being heard. She made sure I was in a safe home with Evelyn, my caretaker who has rightfully earned the spot as my mom. She also worked with people like Chuck and Talia -both here tonight- as my support team. They fought so hard for me.

To be clear, I changed my own life and I will build my own future. But Tanyka, Evelyn, Talia, and Chuck – they helped me believe that I mattered and they showed me that if I fall down again, they’ll be there to pick me up. That’ssomething I’ve never had before. They changed my life. I’m so grateful to you for being the parents I never had, the support team I never had before.

I graduated from RFK’s Legacy Mentoring program because I did the work. I’m on the path I was always meant to be on. My support system is amazing. I’ve got a part-time job. I worked extra hours to go from 9th to 12th grade in just 1 and a half years because I’m GOING to graduate high school on time and go to college and make an impact on people who have been through what I’ve been through.

I’m not angry or sad for my past. I’m too busy planning my future. I want good to come out of the bad. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story.