For as long as I can remember, I've been made to understand how to not get raped.

How long my skirt should be.

How many drinks is enough.

How much cleavage is too much.

How late I can walk outside alone.

How to be "nice" without "flirting" so I'm not leading him on.

Let me go on record as saying I am completely aware of the statistics surrounding male and female rape instances. I know it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

But as a female, I can only relate directly to experiences another female might have.

I've heard all those statements I listed above. And I will always take responsibility for however much I drink because that's on me. But just because I choose to have a few drinks does not mean I am "asking for it."

The point of my writing this is not to touch on things women can do to make sure they don't receive unwanted attention, touching or sex.

We live in a society where, from a young age, girls are taught how they cannot get raped rather than teaching boys, from a young age, how to not rape.

No matter who you are, you are responsible for your own actions. And everyone –– men and women –– need to own up.

I can't write from the perspective of a survivor. The extent of sexual harassment I've personally experienced is being catcalled while walking through Manhattan and gawked at if my boobs are even a little bit visible.

Every young girl should be made aware of the men out there who will gawk at them. The men who will stare, catcall and say ridiculous things.

But from a young age, boys should also be taught that women are not "theirs" to have. Neither men nor women are property. Both deserve to be treated with respect.

So why is it that it seems to only be girls who are taught about rape? About how not to get raped. Why aren't boys growing up being taught and reminded that if someone says no, they mean no?

Around my campus, there are signs and pamphlets reminding people that only yes means yes. I've seen countless jokes come out of this but at the end of the day, only yes means yes.

If she wanted to have sex with him an hour ago, it doesn't mean she still wants to. Ask again. Only yes means yes.

If she seems into it and he keeps progressing, he needs to stop and make sure she's okay with moving forward. Only yes means yes.

It doesn't matter if you just met five minutes ago or you've been dating for years. If it's clear one person is not into it or does not want to keep going, stop. It's simple.

Only yes means yes.

This generation is the future. We are the future doctors, lawyers, presidents, and lawmakers. We must change the way we teach about sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape.

We must change.

We must start talking.

We are responsible for the future so let's start the conversation and keep it moving forward.

It starts with young kids being properly taught what is right and wrong and moves throughout adulthood.

Keep talking.