My Professor Doesn't Know His Examples Are My Trauma
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Professor Doesn't Know His Examples Are My Trauma

His in-class examples are depictions on my own lived trauma.

2605
My Professor Doesn't Know His Examples Are My Trauma
Unsplash

Lately, in my ethics class, a concept we've been discussing is that society tends to protect minors. My professor often supports this idea by saying that this even applies in situations such as jails and prisons. For instance, he says that if a pedophile sexually abuses a minor, he or she becomes the target of abuse behind bars.

What my professor doesn't know is that each class I catch myself biting my tongue because I have been directly impacted by a situation of this nature.

As the lecture goes on my mind transports me back to April 11th of 2012. I was 16 years old and laying down on my couch when the sound of a dog trotting through the grass followed by a pounding knock that scared me out of my sleep.

My mother's boyfriend staggered to the front door. When he opened the door he was questioned by an unfamiliar voice as lights shined brightly into the darkness that flooded my living room. In a matter of seconds, law enforcement entered my home and over the course of their visit, my life changed forever.

I spent my morning making small talk with police officers and detectives as I waited for my mom to arrive at home. When she finally returned the conversations became heavy. As we sat around the kitchen table I was shown photographs of my mother's boyfriend, touching me in ways I'd never let anyone touch me before. Each picture had one thing in common, I looked completely lifeless.

I had given a hair sample to be tested for traces of any drugs that may have been in my system over the years, in hopes of finding something that would have been responsible for extremely deep sleeping or memory loss. However, I never saw the results.

The truth is, I have no recollection of the things that happened to me and I guess that's probably a blessing.

Even though I don't remember it, the situation still effects me even to do this day. When my professor says that inmates aren't privy to child molesters it takes all of my energy not raise my hand.

The truth is many offenders get put into diagnostic and treatment centers and my abuser is no exception. These centers are home to violent and repeat sexual offenders throughout their sentence.

To me, it seems as though these individuals are actually the ones being protected, they're separated from inmates who have committed crimes that are not of a like nature. While many may think these offenders are struggling to stay alive while in the system, they are receiving "help" and the opportunity to obtain an education or vocational training.

Basically, as I am buried in loans at my desk while being haunted by thoughts of a traumatic life event, the man responsible is in a safe place where he can receive a free education. As I am struggling with anxiety, the man responsible it receiving "help."

So when my professor says we as a society take the initiative to protect the children, I can't help but think about the children who don't even know they need protecting.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58802
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37950
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959479
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195195
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments