Emily Nguyen

I learned this past summer about the power of the bike and how it can start conversations with people within the community. When I hear about sex trafficking, I think about the crime shows that I watch like SVU Law and Order. Although my knowledge of the subject is through TV shows, I know it can happen in reality. Recently on the news, I was disturbed by the story of the murder of Olympian Rebecca Cheptgei by her ex who sexually abused her. Cheptgei made a living and an image for herself. It angered me knowing that her life was taken away due to the abuser. Emotional abuse and sexual abuse together is part of the sexual exploitation. I picked up a book called Girls Like Us and read a few pages of it. I was disturbed and angered that girls as young as 11 are sexually exploited. That is younger than my baby sister. I felt ashamed for lacking so much knowledge about this topic because it can happen anywhere and to anyone. I want to be a better advocate and raise awareness for every child, woman, and man who were stripped away from their freedoms. Those who are survivors I want their stories to be heard and I want these people to feel empowered. I want to inspire others to use their voices to inspire others to create change and challenge the system to move in the direction for a world where no one can be trafficked. Policy making can prevent these situations, tackling the root causes. From the bike, it starts conversations with others which can be the catalyst for change to occur within communities. I have experienced the power of the bike from my summer ride with Texas 4000 where people shared their stories. Many people along the way felt a sense of hope. Hope that there will be a cure. Hope for change. I am eager to learn more and how I can contribute to the anti-sex trafficking movement. I am hopeful that one day no one will be for sale.