A woman who was sexually assaulted while studying abroad had double cause for celebration at her graduation yesterday – as she left knowing she had helped protect scores of others.
Andrea Hernandez considered taking her own life after the assault, and felt unable to tell her family and friends out of shame, leaving her feeling “utterly alone and helpless”.
But after the 22-year-old returned to Aberdeen, she got support from staff who made her realise she could campaign to protect others from going through a similar experience.
Ms Hernandez formed the Consent Awareness Sexual Education group to tackle sexual violence campus and install a culture of consent.
The Spaniard later worked with Aberdeen University Student Association and the university to gauge views on online sexual violence and harassment – which brought about improvement in how students could report concerns.
Ms Hernandez, who graduated yesterday with a first class honours in English with creative writing, said: “While it has been extremely challenging at times, I am proud to say I was able to turn a very negative situation into an extremely positive outcome.
“I think this is what the journey through university is about, to continue going forward no matter how hard it gets at times.
“I am not only graduating with a first class honours degree, but also with a job working with the Fulbright Commission to encourage students to study abroad and to not give up on their dreams of attaining a higher education despite any challenges that may come their way.”
