Virginia Wallace
March 03, 2020 1:36 PM
Providing a Megaphone [letter for Cleo] by Virginia Wallace
Dearest Cleo,My family is doing quite well, and I'm glad to hear that you're doing well, too. It sounds like you've had a lot on your mind and I'm glad you've been able to take some time to think things over. I'm so glad to hear that you want to take a step in a new direction. That is always scary, no matter how exciting or positive it is. Whatever you choose to do, if you're doing it because you think it's best for you, I know you'll make the right decision. You are the expert of your own experiences and you have so much to offer to so many people if you choose to share that.
In terms of how to go about doing that, I think you have some options. I think it will help you a lot if you think about what your goals are, and what you wish you had. If your goal is to reach out to people who have survived the same things you have survived, that may look different than if your goal is to educate people who have misconceptions about us. You might also ask yourself what you wish you had had? Are you wanting to help young girls who are struggling with their identity when they're young, or girls in transition after they've begun to understand their identity? Or perhaps you'd like to get in touch with other young women who are moving through traumatic events.
I only mention these things to give you some ideas, and because I am confident that you would fill a valuable role in any of these areas. Whether one of these sounds particularly interesting or whether you want to go someplace else with your goals, I know you'll make a big difference for people. If you're interested, there are a few mentorship programs that pair young adults with younger students to talk about school, life, experiences, etc. It may depend on what you want to accomplish, or whether you are looking to explore your options right now.
As always, I have the utmost faith in your abilities. You are a strong, smart, creative young woman, and you're going to light the world on fire with your shine.
How have things been for you otherwise? With school, with peers, etc.? I'm so glad to hear from you and always happy to do what I can. Have a wonderful day!
Yours,
Virginia
22
Virginia Wallace
Providing a Megaphone [letter for Cleo]
0
Virginia Wallace
1
5
Cleo James
March 04, 2020 3:53 AM
But for the wrong message by Cleo James
Cleo had not replied to the letter immediately. It had taken more than a week of sitting on it, trying to channel her chaotic thoughts into enough of a direction to get on paper. She was more than half tempted to just give up and retreat. She had exams, after all. She should probably study. And it seemed like her question or her desire to use her voice wasn’t really going to be answered, not the way she wanted anyway.She was also worried about writing back and somehow disappointing Virginia, who seemed to have all these grand ideals, none of which this was about. But the whole situation was annoying her enough that she put quill to parchment again.
Dear Virginia,
Thank you for the advice. I think you’re thinking of something far bigger and far more noble than I am. That’s not me.
I want to know who these girls are. Maybe I never can. But they’re posing as me. I want to know why, or at the very least claim it loudly enough that they stop. It’s not something I ever thought I’d want to own but it IS ME that it happened to. And now I’m not being believed, all over again, because someone else came in and took my story and told it as theirs. I’m not allowed to talk to people about my problems because someone else already took my turn.
School is fine. I’m still doing the gardening club. The teachers keep going on about exams.
Cleo.
13
Cleo James
But for the wrong message
389
0
5
Virginia Wallace
March 04, 2020 11:53 AM
May I offer you a soapbox? by Virginia Wallace
Dearest Cleo,I apologize for my misunderstanding. I reread your first letter and realized that I jumped to conclusions which was entirely unfair of me! In any case, your bravery and strength is just as prevalent in this goal as in the one I (mistakenly!) mentioned before. I don't think I realized that you meant there are girls who are literally claiming to be you. That must be frustrating, to say the least, and it sounds like you're dealing with some of the repercussions of that.
Moving forward may still require some decisions about how you want to tackle this, but in a much more linear fashion than I had presumed before. If you're hearing about these girls from the support group, is there a leader or someone there that might be able to help? Is this something you'd like to come forward about at a journalistic level, to publicly claim the story from last year as your own? Or something smaller?
As I said, whatever you choose is exactly the right choice. I have no doubt about that. What kind of support can I offer you as you think about how you'd like to proceed and take steps to do so? I'm happy to offer an ear - or eye! - or something more tangible if you need it. For what it's worth, I always believe you, and I know that there are many others who do and who will continue to do so as well. You're an honest young woman, and that has never been under a shadow of a doubt. I'm proud of you for wanting to take your turn back from those who have tried to silence you. I hate to think of their reasons for doing that.
I'm glad things are going well, and that the Gardening Club is still meeting! It's so nice to have a hobby or passion, and it sounds like you've found one in the great outdoors.
Love and care,
Virginia
22
Virginia Wallace
May I offer you a soapbox?
0
Virginia Wallace
0
5