Curtis senior Ana Rojas received an award from the program DayOne for her involvement and accomplishments in ending dating violence. When Ana was 15 she was part of a violent relationship, stating, “There were times when I wanted to leave my partner but I was being threatened.”

When the abuse became physical, the authorities were called to intervene and charges were pressed against her partner. Soon after this ordeal, Ana discovered she was pregnant with her daughter. After having her daughter in the hospital, Ana realized it was in the best interest of her and her daughter to end the relationship. Her parents introduced Ana to the program that would later offer her the award, DayOne. In this program she began taking counseling and talking to other teens who had situations similar to her own. Over time, she became an advocate. “We go all over schools, we do events, and we just help other teenagers who are going through it,” said Ana.

Ana says that the award means everything to her. She hopes it will inspire others who are going through situations such as her own. “Don’t be scared,” she said, “Speak up, you’re not the only one. I actually thought I was the only one who was going through it, not knowing any other girl goes through it. Speak up, we can help you. Go to counselors, they will help you right away.¨