And Still I Speak: A Foster Child’s Story of Silence and Survival is more than just a memoir, it is a story of resilience, recovery, and reflection. Having survived a life of darkness, Kim has now stepped into the light, using her brightness to guide others. Kim is a truly remarkable storyteller, and her ability to share her lived experience is an act of advocacy like no other.

I grew up in and around the parts of Massachusetts mentioned in the memoir. Prior to reading it, I had an outward view of the experiences Kim talks about. Hearing Kim examine the harsh truths about things happening just outside of my front door has granted me a valuable perspective on the lives of people whom I share the same backroads with.

As a writer myself, to say I respect Kim’s courage is an understatement. Writing can be cathartic, a way to release the pain you have endured. But with writing comes vulnerability, an aspect of Kim’s work that speaks to me the most. Not only does this story call attention to others who have dealt with any of the traumas Kim describes, it also calls attention to those who want to help change the systems in place. This memoir belongs in the hands of students and educators, who want to use their careers to change the world as we know it.

Kim Krawczyk’s voice is one to be heard. I encourage you to sit with this story, to take the time to reflect on its message. You never know what might be waiting for you when you do.

As a senior I have had many years to learn about the work it takes to author and then publish a book. Kim Krawcyzk has done that work tenfold. The story of life is never an easy one to tell and yet she has accomplished this daunting task. The intimate and sometimes dark details of one’s life can be difficult to share, to say out loud. Kim has given readers the opportunity to see those details in full color. This book, Kim’s writing, will take you from your own life and put you into her shoes.

After closely studying the writing process and experiencing it myself I am so honored to be part of the team supporting this book. It is exactly what so many authors work to achieve: bringing readers into a different world from their own, fostering empathy, and providing perspectives that have yet to be shared so honestly with the world.

And Still I Speak is more than a story about the challenges Kim has faced throughout her life. It is a story about resilience, recovery, and the importance of giving people the opportunity to share their experiences. Through her memoir, Kim brings attention to issues such as foster care, childhood trauma, addiction, and incarceration while showing that someone’s past does not have to define their future.

Growing up in Massachusetts, I have always been aware of issues such as addiction and substance use disorder, but reading about Kim’s personal experiences has given me a different perspective. It is easy to hear about these challenges without fully understanding the people who experience them. Kim’s story reminds readers that behind every statistic or headline is a real person with their own experiences, struggles, and hopes for the future.

As someone studying communications and interested in pursuing a career in public relations, I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to bring attention to important issues. Working to promote Kim’s memoir has allowed me to see how public relations can be used for more than promoting a product or organization. It can also help amplify voices, challenge stereotypes, and encourage conversations that might otherwise never happen.

I believe Kim’s story deserves to reach a wide audience, particularly those who have experienced similar challenges and those who want to better understand them. Her willingness to share difficult parts of her life creates an opportunity for others to learn, reflect, and approach these issues with greater empathy. I am grateful for the opportunity to help share her story and contribute to the important conversations it can inspire.

A foster child’s story of silence and survival.