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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

By: Patricia Adams, I Have The Right To Org, and Survivors of Sexual Assault 

This past November, when so many students were preparing for a restful Thanksgiving break, a diverse group of high schoolers from around the area and country gathered in Washington, DC for the 9th annual Georgetown Day School (GDS) Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent.  Survivors and community members came together to discuss the very human issues surrounding sexual assault.

By Patricia Adams

I was a couple of months away from 8th grade and my 14th birthday when I first watched Inside Out in a movie theater with my mother and younger sister. I recall appreciating the clever story and being able to picture my own “Family Island” and homes for the activities I cherished most– Ballet Island, Student Leadership Laguna, Church Group Grove.

By Adam Barber, McQuaid Jesuit Director of Service and Justice
FortKnight Blog
4 min read

You could hear the proverbial pin drop in the John H. Ryan, Jr. Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. The assembled high school students, faculty, and guests sat in focused silence as Steve Peacock, McQuaid Jesuit alumnus of the class of 1988, shared the story of his journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

By Patricia Adams
4 min read

This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with I Have The Right To board member, Steve Peacock. Steve is a child sexual assault survivor, speaker, and advocate, who has delivered keynote addresses to over 1,000 students, parents, and educators since 2021.