When Michelle Pranger visited Queens College on Oct. 27, she brought more than a contagious smile and a stack of freshly scented paperbacks.
The Jamaican native brought with her a voice for those who often feel they have none - victims of child abuse.
Pranger, a QC alumnus, visited the campus to share her story of abuse with students. QC is one of many college campuses Pranger has recently visited following the release of her memoir, "A Child's Voice," in which she describes her childhood struggle with abuse by her parents.
"I want to be the voice that other people - other girls and other boys - can relate to," said the young author, whose abuse remained a "dark secret" until she attended QC.
It was in the sofa of the College Counseling and Resource Center that her healing began, she said.
"I gained myself. I realized I wasn't alone," said Pranger, who attended counseling sessions for two years.
The counseling services that Pranger received were part of the free services offered by the College Counseling and Resource Center, which provides short-term individual and group counseling for a variety of issues, including academic difficulties, emotional problems and family and relationship issues, such as child abuse.
However, many people who struggle with abuse-related issues do not seek help. It is estimated that the actual number of incidents that occur is three times greater than reported, according to childhelp.org.
"People who have been abused don't talk about it," said Pranger, who had never discussed her abuse before confiding in the College Counseling and Resource Center staff.
Although many people choose to keep their secrets hidden, QC students do take advantage of the counseling resources that are available to them.
"Over the course of my time at the college, both as a psychologist and counselor, I have met many victims of incest and physical abuse," said Dr. Elizabeth McCaffrey, who is the director of the College Counseling and Resource Center. "Many of these students are amazing survivors."
Pranger, is currently a fifth-grade teacher at a middle school in Connecticut.
"My past has made me a better teacher, a more vigilant teacher," said Pranger, whose own teachers had served as sources of support during her difficult childhood.
Although she received some criticism about publishing her memoir - particularly because of the negative reactions some believed it might elicit from her school community - Pranger said that she wanted to use her personal experience to make a difference in other people's lives.
"You find strength when you find other people out there," said Pranger. "Nothing good can come from keeping things in the closet."
To learn more about Michelle Pranger's struggle with childhood abuse or to purchase "A Child's Voice," visit her Web site at www.montegopublishing.com.
Be the first to comment on this article!