My Heart in Light of Day
Start writing a post
Politics

My Heart in Light of Day

Why I wrote this play.

269
My Heart in Light of Day
Amber Courtwright

Sexual assault has been an issue near to my heart for some time now. I’ve walked the journey of trying to bring a perpetrator to justice alongside some of my close friends. I’ve seen the eyes of victims trying to tell their story — come to terms with their story. And every time I hear someone’s story, I beg God for an opportunity to help.

Like every other time I’m faced with a problem I don’t have the solution to, I wrote my way to a solution. Light of Day is that solution, the catharsis and the way I found peace with all these stories wrestling inside of me.

To see it performed is an honor like no other. To receive over a hundred stories from victims, to be trusted firsthand with those accounts, is an honor like no other. To walk alongside an intelligent and immensely hard-working team to ask important questions is an honor like no other.

I want to change the world. I dream big, if anyone knows me. I want to take the world by my hands and flip it upside down. I dream of a world where sexual assault doesn’t exist anymore. Where power does not corrupt anymore. Where people believe women. And this project is doing that.

Most importantly, I’m accomplishing my goal of loving people. Loving all people who have been affected by this.

I had this thought as I was sitting on my living room floor, slowly wrapping cereal boxes with sheet music as a vessel for people’s stories: I wouldn’t be doing any of this if I didn’t love every single person who wrote me a story with all my heart. And that’s why I’m writing this article to you. To prove my love. Maybe if the love is strong enough, I can change the world.

Because it hasn’t been easy. I’ve gotten pushback, I’ve gotten criticism, I’ve gotten people misunderstanding my goals because of laziness. I’ve been juggling 101 things and afraid that any one I drop would cause the rest to come tumbling down around me.

But here we are. Practically done. And I just can’t help but think — will it be worth it? Will a conversation materialize around me or will people just push their heads back in the sand? Will I be able to handle the criticism? The bigotry? I can’t continue this fight forever. This was always supposed to be reins that I hand to another person: I have big goals. Goals that I can’t accomplish. Goals of a week-long, campus-wide, sexual assault awareness and prevention week. Open dialogue with honest answers. A revolution in how we support victims.

So here’s where you come in…again. If you think this is you, take the reins. I started off as an angry sophomore who had something to say and that voice is spreading around campus. I’m changing campus. I’m changing the world. And you can, too. Please, join me in this revolutionary love called action.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96801
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments