These high school seniors are sharing real 13 Reasons Why tapes — listen to them here

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These high school seniors are sharing real 13 Reasons Why tapes — listen to them here

‘You were the popular athlete. Who were they actually going to believe?’

Following the announcement of a second season of 13 Reasons Why, students at Oxford High School, in Oxford, Michigan, started a project called 13 Reasons Why Not, where they will tell real students’ stories by playing tape recordings over the loud speaker for 13 days.

The first tape by senior Riley Juntti was broadcast to the entire student body last week, as she sat in class and listened along.

“I was the first person to go out of the whole project,” she told babe, “I’ve been through some really serious situations the last few years — sexual, physical, mental abuse.”

So far six tapes have been broadcast, and reactions have been extremely positive.

From left to right: Jeam Linares, Jordan Jaden, Riley Juntti, Alexa Alban, Kayla Manzella, Maddy Drypes

The project is in memory of Megan Abbott, a freshman who committed suicide four years ago. Through it, the students involved hope to honor Megan’s life, while also opening the floor to a larger discussion about things other students might be dealing with. Megan’s sister, Morgan, currently a junior at the school, is a fan of the project.

Alexa Alban, a senior involved, told babe, “Morgan is my locker neighbor, but I didn’t realize that at the time. After I gave my tape I didn’t go to first hour, because I didn’t want students staring at me.

“Morgan came into the office, and she was telling the counselor that hearing her sister’s name brought her joy.”

Pictured: Megan Abbot

We spoke to Riley and Alexa about their stories and why they chose to take part in the project. You can listen to their tape or read the transcript below.

‘My name is Riley Juntti, and this is my story’

Hey it’s riley, Riley Juntti. Don’t adjust your whatever device you’re hearing this on. It’s me live and in stereo. No return engagements, no encore, and this time, absolutely no requests. Get a snack, settle in, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life.

Worthless, self-centered, no morals, easy, grimy, cake-face, you would be better off dead. That’s just the start of what you would label me as every day for two years. They asked me why I didn’t leave you sooner, why I chose to stay in an abusive relationship. I was afraid; of all the times you threatened me and my friends, for all the times you laid your hands on me, for when I started to believe I actually would be better off dead. Because you were the popular athlete. Who were they actually going to believe?

And when no one asked if I was okay, if I was still breathing, I shut down. I stopped talking, going out, being disgusted with every inch of my body, all because I trusted a pretty boy who would soon take my life away.

So this tape is for you, Alice Godfrey — you saw me when no one else did, and have continued to listen, share, and appreciate the small things with me. Thank you for your kindness, I cannot repay. You are one of my 13 Reasons Why Not. The number one way to prevent suicide is to talk about suicide. If you need help, please talk to someone.

What made you feel confident in sharing this?

I could name over 10 friends who have been in this situation. I knew in my heart and soul that I needed to take this on. People were hesitant at first — we didn’t know the reaction it was going to get but I had to do it despite the backlash.

How have other students reacted?

People I don’t know have been coming up to me and hugging me.

Did you like 13 Reasons Why when you watched it?

I think it accurately depicted what we go through in high school — I’ve been through every situation in that show, or know someone who has. At the same time, I had concerns with the mental health aspects.

Did you know Megan?

I was in eighth grade when she passed. I’ve had contact with her mom though. She sent me an awesome message this morning. They’ve been so happy with that we’re doing. I think the number one goal for us is to get Megan’s name out there and honor her in life and death.

‘My name is Alexa Alban, and this is my story’

Hello, I’m Alexa Alban, and this is my story. I’d like to start out by saying I am not suicidal. I have never been suicidal. You do not have to have wanted to die in order to have a story. From before I can remember I have always been someone whose never really blended in with most girls in my class. I’m sure many girls, even boys can relate to this — that feel different and not comfortable with what they look like and what they might be.

I’ve gotten comments from “Woah she’s the ugly one in that group,” to “She plays goalie on the girls lacrosse team because she’s the biggest one.” Hearing comments like these make you feel so worthless, hurt, and like you can never do anything to impress anyone. These comments can come from your own friends — those who you trust. Society has shaped us to believe that there is a certain look we all must live by. From getting teased behind my back, to right to my face, it’s all been normal to me. I thought to myself, If I can’t please anyone, then why I am here? What good is it if no one will like me for how I look? I thought to myself every day things to do and make myself look or blend in to be that skinny girl I had always dreamed of being. I wanted to be this tiny person for the people who would say to me, “It’s just a joke Alexa, chill.”

Through all of this, someone that was close to my heart helped me through this: Thank you Garrett Stook. Without you I wouldn’t know what it’s like to stand up for yourself, have a voice, and simply work for what you want. He’s taught me so much in a small amount of time, and for that I can never repay him. He’s never told me to change how you look for another person, but to change for yourself. He’s taught me to be strong, and don’t ever question why you are here, because of what you might look like or what you might be. You’re needed and you’re loved no matter what you might look like. Thank you Garrett for being my 13 Reasons Why Not.

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, are thought about how to kill oneself. It can be detailed plans, although sometime it can just be a fleeting consideration. Sometimes people can just feel like they wish they didn’t have to be in pain anymore. After Megan Abbot’s suicide, Oxford High School brought in a expert in teen suicide. He explained that it’s not that people want to die, it’s that they want to know they can live a life that is less painful. If you are in pain, there is a less painful life ahead of you. I have never felt like you have, but I want you to know I am here for you if you want to talk. Thank you for supporting me, and each other.

What did you think about the series?

I’ve not watched it actually. It feels like one of those things where you already know what’s going to happen.

Can you talk a little about your tape?

I was always perceived as being that “bigger girl,” and my thing is whether you weigh 100 or 200 pounds, you shouldn’t be getting comments about how you look. I wanted to be a voice for people who were scared of how they felt in their own skin.

Why did you mention you weren’t suicidal in the first line?

I think most people are just thinking to themselves “I simply want to wake up to a better day”. There are people who are in the same position who might be taking it to a further extent.

What are some of the best reactions you’ve gotten?

The comments that mean the most aren’t the comments like “But you’re beautiful!” — they’re the comments about how my story inspired people.

You can visit Megan’s memorial page here, and to read more positive comments from the other students, you can visit the girls twitter pages: Riley, Alexa.

@carolinephinney