Author: Maria Villegas

Blue background with a title "Neurobiology of Trauma" and an drawing of a brain with a looking glass

Understanding The Neurobiology of Trauma

Written by Maria Villegas on January 28, 2026. Posted in Blog.

By Emma Heffer, I Have The Right To Intern

Understanding the neurobiology of trauma is crucial for recognizing how traumatic events affect the brain, which helps validate survivors’ experiences and inform effective healing strategies. It explains why trauma survivors may react with involuntary stress responses, such as being hypervigilant or emotionally dysregulated, and helps debunk harmful myths and reduce stigma by reframing these reactions as biological coping mechanisms rather than character flaws. This knowledge is essential for developing targeted therapies that help the brain feel safe again.

5 Consent Lessons from Bluey

Written by Maria Villegas on October 20, 2025. Posted in Blog.

By Jenae Bluhm, M.S. & CFLE-P

If you have small children, you probably know Bluey—and if you have teens, it’s likely on at your house too. This post explores Bluey consent, showing how the beloved series weaves age-appropriate lessons about boundaries and respect into everyday family scenes while keeping the show’s warm, calming vibe.

Blog banner with colorful Ghanaian textile background highlighting Fighting Stigma: a cross-cultural look at barriers survivors of sexual abuse face in Ghana and the U.S.

Barriers for Survivors: Fighting Stigma in Ghana and the U.S.

Written by Maria Villegas on September 17, 2025. Posted in Blog.

By Emma Heffer, I Have The Right To Intern

Survivors of sexual and domestic abuse face various barriers in pursuit of justice and healing – these obstacles are influenced by law, culture, and access, but many share a common root: stigma. After having the unique opportunity to work with legal and advocacy organizations in Ghana, I was provided with firsthand insight into the deep societal and physical barriers survivors face. These challenges, while unique in their distinct cultural influence, reflect a broader, global issue. This article explores the specific barriers in Ghana, their parallels with American obstructions to justice, and how we can all be a part of the fight against stigma facing survivors.

Blog title ‘The Red Zone: Understanding College Transition and Student Safety’ displayed on a college campus background

Understanding Red Zone and College Transition

Written by Maria Villegas on September 1, 2025. Posted in Blog.

By: Meghan Boudreau , I Have The Right To Intern

Picture this: You are moving into your first week as an undergraduate student. You are buzzing with excitement (or maybe that’s just the three cups of coffee you drank trying to stay awake) as you and your fellow first years begin to enter a new and foreign time of life. You tearfully say goodbye to your friends and family who traveled with you for this momentous transitional period and you are left to the whim of your RA’s and the orientation week itinerary.

The Pressure to Be “Fine”

Written by Maria Villegas on July 15, 2025. Posted in Blog.

By: Lulu Carpenter, I Have The Right To Intern.

How often do we say “I’m fine” when what we mean is: I’m scared, I’m tired, I’m hurting, or I don’t know how to ask for help? I think we’ve all said the words “I’m fine” when we feel like we’re falling apart. And most of the time, people believe us. In our society, we are taught to be polite, agreeable, and “low-maintenance.” But everyday phrases like “I’m fine” or “It’s whatever,” often become emotional masks.

Lego: More Than a Toy

Written by Maria Villegas on April 16, 2025. Posted in Blog.

By: Meghan Boudreau, I Have The Right To Intern.

Like many of my peers in my younger years, I loved playing with LEGOs. My little brother and I would spend much of our time in the LEGO store, looking at sets that were way too advanced for our age. One of my favorite models was a toy space destroyer with aliens as part of LEGO’s “Alien Conquest” kit. The design was a cool tripod build that included a face hugger and ugly alien trooper. My brother also participated in what is called the First Robotics LEGO League competition for three years.