Leah's Ultimate Makeover
By Leah Harland
Watch Leah's story of how a history of bullying led to partying and later an incident of a date rape which left her lonely, low in confidence and self esteem. Find out how Leah discovered her true value and learned to leave the past behind and live off her true identity.
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My Story...
I grew up in a loving and supportive home in the beautiful city of York. My childhood was filled with games, dolls, laughing and all things girly until I reached High School. I fell victim of emotional and physical bullying from my classmates. It knocked my confidence and by the time I reached college I was at an all time low. My low self esteem led to isolation and loneliness. When it came time to go to university I decided to go all out to fit in with my peers. It was a fresh start. I started going to parties and was a regular at the Students Union and night clubs. Getting drunk was a regular pastime.
However, one night the partying went wrong. Having had only two drinks I started to feel ill and out of sorts. I can remember going back to my apartment and then the next recollection I have is waking up to find a man in my room. I suddenly realized I had been date raped. The horror and shame of discovering my rights and freedom had been compromised made me feel weak, small, dirty and lonely. I had no one to talk to and didn’t know anyone that would understand what I had gone through. I felt insignificant and as though no one respected me for who I was.
Last Chance Saloon!
One of my flat mates decided to come to Hope City Church and so I figured I had nothing to lose so I may as well give it a go. It was a hard decision as it went against my plan to try and fit in with my peers but I was desperate and so gave God a chance. Listening to the preacher I was shocked to realize that everything he said was applicable to my situation and for once I could see hope and a chance for a real fresh start. At the end of the service the pastor asked if anyone wanted to discover more about God and let him be their helper and friend and comfort. I responded and instantly I felt the feelings of worry and worthlessness leave me. Over the coming months I found that God was someone she could talk to at any time. The hurt was healed and I had found a best friend who thought the world of me, believed in my potential and respected who I was.
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Leah is one of the fantastic students at Sheffield Halam University. She has recently been to Mozambique to work in an orphanage and is lloving life and living it to the full!