Advocate

Advocate

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Definition: Advocate

noun: advocate; plural noun: advocates

/ˈadvəkət/

1. a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

"He was an untiring advocate of economic reform"

Similar: champion, upholder, supporter, backer, promoter, proponent.

a person who pleads on someone else's behalf.

verb

verb: advocate; 3rd person present: advocates; past tense: advocated; past participle: advocated; gerund or present participle: advocating

/ˈadvəˌkāt/

publicly recommend or support.

"they advocated an ethical foreign policy"

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I picked the word Advocate because that’s who I aspire to be. I’m not getting any younger, and I’m okay with that. At 63, I’ve faced a lot—one trauma after another. I was sexually assaulted as a child and lost both my parents by the time I was 12. My mom didn’t know it, but I grew up with all the wrong ideas, and I carried those into my 20s and beyond. I really understand how the blame, guilt, and regret from experiences like sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence can change a person into someone they never wanted to be. I want to be there for others who have gone through similar struggles. I want to listen, to reassure them that they are believed and supported in any way I can. I’m working on getting involved with the local hotline in my state to help answer calls and provide support. This is something that resonates deeply with me. Being an advocate and being there for others is what I want to dedicate the rest of my life to. In my group therapy, they say, “being a Survivor of Sexual Assault is like being in a club you never wanted to join,” but it really helps to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.To

So that's my word. And my dream. Simply to be there and help.

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Thanks for reading! - Sam