Wasatch loop
I was just informed that mine was not the only incident at East High. While mine revolved around track and cross country, others involved debate and other extra curricular activities, and these others were (I'm told) worse than mine. Coincidence? Or is there something culturally or systemically wrong with East High?
I know I have an opportunity to make a change, and I want to do it. Either through volunteering or bringing awareness to the community. I could potentially take this information to the school board. I just would have to do lots of research so I have enough information, and figure out what I want to have happen because of it. I could start something like the bullying campaign in schools, that is to inform and address the issue. Ultimately I want to educate these young people so they are better able to get out of something and report it before it goes too far. Most people don't even know what grooming is (in reference to abuse). In my case, I didn't know if I should report it or even how to report it.
To inform those who are wondering, I was groomed, sexually harassed, stalked, and gaslit by my high school cross country and track coach. I have heard things from other teammates that suggest he sexually harassed other girls as well. I am thinking about digging deeper and asking more teammates to see if this is more widespread.
I looked back to my blog posts from around the time this happened and find it ironic that through it all, I still looked at him in such a significant positive light. But that's grooming for you. It was actually because of this that I didn't want to report him at all.
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