Two years ago when she woke up in her dorm room with the horrible realization she had been raped the previous night, the MSU junior said it was almost impossible to confide in her suitemate, and eventually the police.

But on Wednesday, the student stood in front of more than 100 Haslett High School freshmen and sophomores to tell her story — in hopes her words could prevent others from being assaulted or help them find the strength to report the crime.

The student, who asked that her name not be used for privacy, had gone out with friends in April 2004, had several drinks and returned to Case Hall where she fell asleep alone with the door closed, but unlocked. Several hours later, she was woken up by a man she didn't recognize who forced himself on her despite her repeated efforts to stop him and say no.

"I felt it was my fault for a long time," she said. "Why didn't I lock my door like everyone tells me to? But in the grand scheme, I could have had my door wide open and no one should have come in and done that to me."

For more on this story, please see Friday's edition of The State News.