Submission:
Hi Ashley, Brit, and all of the incredible staff at audiochuck!
I’m 49 years old and live with my family in Westfield, IN. Unlike many of the other letters you receive, I have not been the victim of a crime, nor has anyone in my family. However, when I was 16, my parents decided to move to Indy and join a fringe religious group. I was a part of that for over 20 years. After much soul-searching, trauma, and tragedy, I finally came to understand that I had been living in a cult. As a part of this group, I was not allowed to go to college, or have a job outside of the cult.
You may be wondering how this has anything to do with you all or Crime Junkie! Well, for as long as I can remember (like literally since I was about 10 years old), it was my dream to become a lawyer. From a young age, I have been passionate about justice; for victims and for those wrongfully convicted. I knew I could help change the world by working in the legal field!
However, growing up in a cult that wouldn’t allow women in the workplace, I gave up on that dream. Many years later, after we escaped the cult and I started my re-entry into the real world, I just assumed that dream was gone, and that I had to grieve what could have been.
During the beginning stages of my healing journey from the trauma of being in a cult, I discovered you and your podcast. I couldn’t get enough! Yes, I am a top-tier Fan Club member, have been to your events, and tell everyone I meet about the incredible work you all are doing. That passion for fighting for justice was reignited, thanks in large part to the work you all are doing!
After much soul-searching, lots of therapy, and self-reflection, I have realized that I am the only one who gets to decide my destiny! The passion for justice still burns hot in my soul. Watching what you at audiochuck have accomplished for victims, their families, and the narrative around true crime has motivated me to grab my dreams and run with them! That being said, at age 49, I have applied and been accepted into college as a first semester freshman! I will be majoring in Criminal Justice with the hope of going to law school once I have my undergraduate degree! Is it a lofty and possibly a crazy goal? Probably! But, you all have inspired me to fight for my dreams and help change the world by advocating for victims and their families.
I hope someday to meet you all in person. Actually, let’s be honest! Working for audiochuck would be an absolute dream come true!
Thank you again, for all the work you do for victims, for teaching us the life rules of a crime junkie and for inspiring so many of us to never give up the fight for justice!
Here’s to a long Season of Justice!
Gratefully,
Jennifer H.