I could hear a small voice telling me 'you will make it out of this', just keep quiet, and remain calm.' And that is exactly what I did. Not only did I survive, but it was a moment of self discovery, a self awakening. In that moment, I learned that I am stronger than I thought. However, I am keenly aware that my sense of safety has been forever altered. For months following the break-in when home alone, I feared for my safety, and constantly looked out my window if I heard a noise. But looking back, I struggled like most teens to gain a sense of who I was, I now know who I am becoming. There is a new found sense of pride, self- determination and awe. I never knew I had it in me to go through a terrifying ordeal and not fall prey to becoming a victim. With the help of my family, friends and counseling I am becoming the person I always knew I