For most, being in an abusive relationship is something to be ashamed of. Not for West High senior Zoe Vanatter ‘20’. She has taken her experience and is brave enough to open up about it and encourage others to seek help. 

“I want to show modern kids how to find their voice,” Vanatter said. One of the hardest things for people in an abusive relationship is to realize it. Vanatter was brave enough to open up about her experiences, and with it comes a shining new light on a topic usually brushed off and ignored. 

“It was like my world was shaking, and any light I ran towards was snuffed out,” Vanatter said. She had a best friend. A friend that you call and always answers. A friend that drives to your house and lets themself in to make sure that you’re ok. 

When Zoe started realizing something was wrong, she thought nothing of it. “It’s high school right? People change and I should support them,” Vanatter said. But when Vanatter realized this was not just puberty and emotional change, it was like the world changed. 

Vanatter recounted a very real and chilling story of the growth of an abusive situation. “She would manipulate me into thinking that she was the only one who could help,” Vanatter said. “The only one that could save me from myself. When I finally broke away from her it was like entering a new world.” 

Clearly this story is very real and personal. Vanatter takes this and embraces it. She wants her experience to help people in similar situations. “Don’t be afraid to speak out and find help” Vanatter confidently says. 

In her pursuit of a profession in the teaching industry. “I want to be the teacher kids can talk to and open up to,” Vanatter said. You can see that Vanatter shows great initiative on making sure that everyone feels included. “Whenever Zoe shows up, its like a blanket is lifted from the room”. Everyone matters, and Zoe Vanatter shows great maturity and knowledge from past experiences to influence her help on people.