Changing the Conversation by Meagan Bilodeau

Every nine minutes, a child under the age of 18 experiences sexual assault in the United States. I was once part of that statistic, but I firmly believe it's my life's mission to empower children and families with awareness about the prevalence of this issue. What follows isn't a tale of defeat, but rather a narrative of resilience and triumph.

At a tender age, I found myself among the 30% of children subjected to abuse by family members. At 13, during a routine trip to the store with my mom, I mustered the courage to disclose the assault I endured between ages three and six. To my dismay, it resurfaced at 13, initiated by the same perpetrator. I recall my mother pulling over, promptly contacting the child advocacy center in our county. The following day, I found myself seated in their office, sharing my story with the department head and forensic team, shielded behind a two-way mirror. It was then I encountered my guardian angel, my victim advocate, whom I view as a divine blessing. She remains my unwavering beacon of hope to this day. 

During my high school years, I endured a taxing court process that dragged on for what felt like an eternity. While my peers enjoyed the normalcy of school life, I was repeatedly yanked out of classes to attend courtroom sessions or meet with lawyers. The relentless cycle of legal proceedings cast a shadow over my teenage years.

Finally, at 16, after the trial had been escalated to the superior court, I found myself confronting my family member in court. It was a moment of reckoning, a chance to stand tall and reclaim my power. On the day of the verdict, I seized the opportunity to deliver a statement, pouring out my heart in an essay's worth of words. It was a cathartic release, a culmination of the physical and emotional turmoil I had endured throughout those challenging years in the court's grasp.

I aim to pay forward the kindness I received throughout my journey as a survivor, which led me to establish my nonprofit organization, "Changing the Conversation: One Child At A Time," in February 2022. Since its inception, I've spearheaded various fundraisers, authored a children's book, and engaged in numerous interviews, including a recent feature on the WMTW News Station in Portland, Maine. 

During my senior year of college, I obtained my peer wellness education certification, which opened doors for me to join a team of student leaders on campus. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but also provided me with valuable expertise in sexual assault advocacy, extending beyond my personal journey. I actively contributed to organizing impactful events such as Take Back The Night and The ClothesLine Project, alongside participating in smaller initiatives like Letters to Self, where I adorned campus with inspirational sticky notes ahead of midterms week.

One program that deeply resonated with me and now influences my work as a child advocate is "Wellness Wednesdays." Here, I invite titleholders from across the nation to collaborate on Instagram Live sessions, offering them a leverage to discuss their respective platforms. My overarching aim is to ensure that my audience isn't just educated on sexual assault advocacy but also on broader mental and general health topics. Through these endeavors, I strive to foster holistic wellness and empowerment within my community.

My aspirations in the advocacy realm extend far into the future. I'm currently venturing into public speaking, with a long-term aim of delivering a TEDx Talk to share my story and inspire others to find their voice. Alongside my Bachelor's degrees in English Communications and Pre-Law, I'm planning on pursuing a Master's degree in Forensic Science from Florida International University. Ultimately, I envision myself as a crime reporter in the state of Florida. 

While my career path may evolve, my passion for advocacy will remain steadfast. I'm committed to collaborating with like-minded individuals to effect meaningful change in our communities.

About Me: Hey there, Section 36! I'm Meagan Bilodeau, proudly representing as Miss Maine Volunteer and gearing up for nationals in Jackson, Tennessee, just around the corner. It's an exhilarating time for me as I'm breaking ground by showcasing martial arts on the national stage as a first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. 

Beyond my pageant endeavors, I lead a life as a full-time chief stewardess on a luxury yacht, navigating the scenic East Coast from the Exumas to Nova Scotia, Canada. Come join me on my adventures by following along on my social media pages: @meag_bilodeau and @missmevol. Let's connect!