Author visits SHS to share her incredible life story
Author Ms. Sioni Rodriguez visited Stroudsburg High last week to share her stunning story about human trafficking. Her entire story is told in her book Three Times Sold, which can be purchased on Amazon and other book retailers.
“You could’ve heard a pin drop in the auditorium,” said social studies teacher Ms. Susan Flad. “The kids were engaged the entire time. She took questions. She agreed to come back.”
Rodriguez was sold to a brothel (a house of prostitution) for the first time in Costa Rica when she was four; she was sold a total of three times in her life. By the time she graduated high school, she was the mother of two children.
“Even though she was sold three times, she still managed to have a successful life,” said senior Casie Van Why, who attended the assembly.
Students who attended the assembly are encouraged to comment below. The link to Rodriguez’s book is located here
Sioni Rodriguez • Dec 6, 2018 at 10:02 AM
Dear Students of SHS
I was so very honored to be invited to speak at your school.
As you know from hearing my story, I am passionate about the fight against Human Trafficking.
Now we are fighting it , not just in third world countries, but here in America, in Pennsylvania!
And, it was so inspiring to see you all so interested, attentive and wanting to be part of the fight!
Because, it is only through compassion such as yours that we will crush this horrible practice.
I want to thank you for having me come to your school, for listening and for caring.
You gave me so much hope for the future.
Thank you also, for your very kind words. They mean more to me than you can know.
Remember that life is full of joy when you have love in your heart.
And I most certainly look forward to visiting you again.
Best Regards,
Sioni Rodriguez
Lisa Muccio • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:16 PM
I would love for you to return to our school to do another presentation on your experience. In my global issues class we have been doing a research project on human trafficking. The findings in our research are astonishing, I give you my utmost respect for being a survivor on the mental and physical trauma you endured so early on in life, taking it and making it into extremely powerful and moving words. Human Trafficking is alive and well and one really may not knows the severity of what is going on in America, as well as the rest of the world. The only thing we can do as bystanders to this is share Information with each other on human trafficking and forced labor. Do not let people not know what is going on, get it out there so it can not be forgotten and eventually can be resolved for millions of victims subjected to this every year all over the world. God bless and thank you for being so strong, the day we all shut up is the day the fight is over for these victims!
Nicole Cruz • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:11 PM
Great Assembly. Such an eye-opener about the topic of human trafficking. It was a privilege to be able to attend. During this time my 8th Period Global Issues class was working on research about human trafficking. Between both, Ms. Sioni Rodriguez and my Global Issues class I was able to gain knowledge about this current issue going on in the world. Hopefully everyone who heard Ms. Rodriguez’s story will pass it on.
Victor Ryan • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:09 PM
I believe that human trafficking is a terrible thing in our society. Something that people hear and learn about, especially in high school, but not enough action is being taken to stop it. Governments makes laws against it I feel that it is only because they want citizens to see them with a positive eye, and that they are “doing” something about this. Besides governments stepping up and working to better their ability to find and catch human traffickers, humans trafficking victims need to receive the help and support they deserve. Victims need to know that they have reached the end of a terrible chapter in their lives and that they should be able to write the beginning for a new, bright chapter.
Malia Stivala • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:09 PM
personally i feel like it is awful that she had to go through so much without any one there to help her but once she came to the united sates the government should of known something was up that a 16 year old girl was married to a 40 year old man and we should be taking more precaution as a country to stop human trafficking.
miada elsayed • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:08 PM
Ms. Rodriguez’ story really made me realize the horrors that occur in this world. In most countries, the statistics on human trafficking cases aren’t even exposed to the public. Human trafficking is everywhere and millions of people are affected each year. Hearing someone who encountered this and is sharing her story for awareness on the topic is so brave. Ms. Rodriguez has gone through so much throughout her life and is still helping the world, if it’s from her book, or organization.
Gabby Campelo • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:08 PM
I take global issues with Ms. Flad and we have been discussing human trafficking and the statistics of how bad it actually is in the US alone, is crazy. Not only here but majority of countries have a lot of trafficking happening there and their governments don’t do anything about it. Women are constantly tricked, taken, and sold and its right under our noses. It shocks me how oblivious people are to the things that are so important, like trafficking and environmental issues, yet everyoneee wants has the scoop about cardi b and kylie jenner
Katelyn Garlick • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:07 PM
Although I was unable to attend the assembly I have a general understanding of what could have possibly occurred. I have global issues with Mrs. Flad and I have had an eye opener to the world. Human trafficking goes beyond foreign countries, it’s everywhere in every country and its not being controlled in the ways it should be, if at all. Innocent men and women have had their lives taken away from them at a young age and the governments and authorities turn a blind eye.
Jhaeon DeFreitas • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:07 PM
Ms. Rodriguez’s speech really opened my eyes more about human trafficking. Not only that but it also brought awareness to me that it could be happening right in front of my eyes and I don’t even realize it. She also taught me to always be aware of my surroundings and to notify someone of authority when I sense something suspicious going on. Before this assembly, I knew about human trafficking but I didn’t really know about the seriousness of it and how it is huge problem today in the world.
Angelique • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:06 PM
I thought that the presentation that she gave was very eye opening. Human trafficking is in places where you would not even think of. For example, a lot of it occurs at the Superbowl. Human trafficking is literally EVERYWHERE. It’s even here in Stroudsburg but sometimes, it’s hard to see.
Star C. • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:05 PM
When we first started this project I had no emotional connection, I saw it for what it was.(try to get the highest grade possible, get it out the way). Then, once I heard the horrible things that the lady went through, I could help but feel angry inside, I kept thinking, How can people be so cruel? How come people think so quick to pull their phone out to see what the Kardashians are doing but can’t pull it out to help someone out of a horrible crisis? How come when things like trafficking get talked about it’s only a HOPE that some would say something, but then 6ix9nine gets put in jail and everyone knows how to speak up real quick? I personally feel like this is pure bullsh*t. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one, I know there are many of you who want to SAY SOMETHING. And guess what? YOU CAN!! We live in America WHERE the FIRST AMENDMENT CLEARLY STATES: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.SO WHEN I SAY SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING I’m really hoping with everything I stand for YOU USE YOUR PHONE TO CHANGE THE WORLD TO BECOME A BETTER PLACE.it’s 2018 we have the right technology.use it!
THANKYOU.
Have a great day!
Jordan Horvaht • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:04 PM
Sionis story is very sad and touching. It showed me that some people in this world prioritize money over family and that even when things go terribly wrong there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
Gabriel Howard • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:04 PM
I think the presentation that she gave us all was absolutely fascinating, even if it was saddening to see this poor woman to be sold THREE times all throughout her life. Human trafficking is the second illegal crime organization in the world, next to the selling and possession of illegal drugs; I was captivated and saddened when she was describing her story, and the experiences and her escapes to get away and come back home. I’m more than glad that she is finally happy, loved, and at peace after years of not understanding what love IS. I’m very grateful she came by and discussed this issue, along with her story, with many students in our school.
(P.S. Marvelous job writing this too, Gabby!)
Kevin Dotel • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:01 PM
This assembly was absolutely amazing. Rodriguez’s story was not only incredibly impacting but also eye- opening. Her story revealed a situation unnoticed by the majority of the population, and for that I would definitely want her to return to share her story to even more of my fellow classmates.
chloe • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:01 PM
Human trafficking is a huge issue in society. Her story opened my eyes to how terrible human trafficking is. It is crazy what she went through and that she was strong enough to move on and become successful. Human trafficking occurs in every country around the world and we need to make efforts to stop it
Malachi • Nov 30, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Human trafficking is a very scary thing to be involved in. It’s even scarier to think about how much can be going on around you in daily life. That anyone you see outside could be a victim, or beneficiary of human trafficking.
abby • Nov 30, 2018 at 12:59 PM
Her story is really inspirational and it shows that regardless of your hardships, you can still be successful. Human trafficking is a major issue in every country and it should be fixed.
Matthew Trbuza • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:31 AM
Sioni coming to Stroudsburg was a life changing experience. A student can learn about human trafficking all they want but listening to her story and the personal point of view helped create a connection with the students. I hope she can return to Stroudsburg to share her story with future high school students.
Abby Cann • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:31 AM
Sioni’s story really spoke to me. After spending so much time learning about human trafficking and realizing how many people are involved you don’t always actually realize that there are real people with real lives forced into slavery. After hearing her speak about how she was sold out of her home by her mother three separate times and then still raising her kids and graduating high school and going to college it made me realize how everyone should hear her story to understand how prevalent human trafficking is in our world.
Yocelin • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:30 AM
I’m so glad that she made it through all of that and still managed to have a peaceful and happy life with her two children. I hope she comes again next year to share her story again.
Patrick Noonan • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:30 AM
the speaker was very brave after having to go through the things she did
Jose Hurtado • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM
I believe it was a great idea to have a guest speaker come to educate students about human trafficking.
Caroline Buff • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM
Sioni spoke to my heart and made me realize what other people go through. She is a strong individual with a powerful story, who shares her strength and love with the audiences that she speaks to.
Shadae Moreen • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM
Honestly, Ms. Sioni Rodriguez presentation was so moving and breath taking. I feel as if she should come back next year and do the presentation for upcoming class. Lastly it’s so amazing how she made it out, threw all of the difficult situations.
Connor • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:28 AM
the amount of things she had made it through is crazy and i think everyone should be able to here her story
Nicholas Vlamis • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:28 AM
This speaker was so heart touching to our school, making me wish everyone would have a chance to listen to her to tell her story.
Jeffrey Pasciak • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:26 AM
It was an amazing talk and it is wild that she has been through so much and made it out.
Saige Embley • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:26 AM
Sioni was an amazing speaker. She told all of s=us at Stroudsburg High School a difficult part in her life that involved human trafficking. She made me realize more about what goes around. I never knew so many people as I know now, are involved in sex and labor trafficking. I would love for her to come back and talk every year to the students because I hope it will change other peoples lives like it did to mine.
Gabriella Liguori • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:24 AM
Her story made me step back and appreciate the little things in life, not everyone has it easy!!!