How Writing Saved Me During the Pandemic

A Survivor's Story

Photo by Faith C. Bergevin

Just before the start of the pandemic, I was in this strange limbo for my burgeoning new career. In December 2019, all my coursework was complete as well as the final comprehensive exam for my master’s degree. Everything was ready to go – all that was left was to have my degree conferred, then I could work as a professional counselor. I couldn’t work in this field I’d been training in for years until that happened.

Reporting

Early 2020 was also odd due to another issue. I finally reported my rapist to police, a trying experience even though the police were kind and (sort of) trauma informed. By early March, I’d begun dating again and participated in the new dance community I’d found. On March 2, 2020, I met with police after they’d talked with the man I accused of rape and they informed me they weren’t going to proceed with charges against him. Predictably, he’d wooed the (young female) police officer. He was good at that. Just hearing her share what he said ab…