The true story of a childhood trauma survivor whose resilience helps her cope with the endless trauma in her family of origin. After surviving an abduction and rape at nine years old, she must find her way home in New York City – only to be further violated by the adults she thought she could trust when she returns home and they don't notice she is in shock. In this moment, Newyoricangirl realizes she can only rely on herself because her family is consumed by their own severe dysfunction, violence and substance-abuse. The trauma continues, as her Puerto Rican mother forces Newyoricangirl to be "White," to blend-in rather than celebrate her cultural heritage as 100% Boricua. Into adulthood, despite struggling with identity issues and undiagnosed Anxiety, she finds the determination to launch a successful career, while eradicating the cycle of child abuse by raising her own children in a nurturing environment. Just when she thinks she's got everything under control, Newyoricangirl is in NYC on September 11th 2001 all alone. She has no idea that her cumulative trauma will soon bring her to her knees, when her symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) render her unstable. She believes it is the end of her life. Will her resilience save Newyoricangirl just one more time?

A poignant memoir of a childhood trauma survivor whose resilience helps her cope with the endless trauma in her family of origin. After surviving an abduction and rape at nine years old, she must find her way home in New York City – only to be further violated by the adults she thought she could trust when she returns home and they don't notice she is in shock. In this moment, Newyoricangirl realizes she can only rely on herself because her family is consumed by their own severe dysfunction, violence and substance-abuse. The trauma continues, as her Puerto Rican mother forces Newyoricangirl to be "White," to blend-in rather than celebrate her cultural heritage as 100% Boricua. Into adulthood, despite struggling with identity issues and undiagnosed Anxiety, she finds the determination to launch a successful career, while eradicating the cycle of child abuse by raising her own children in a nurturing environment. Just when she thinks she's got everything under control, Newyoricangirl is in NYC on September 11th 2001 all alone. She has no idea that her cumulative trauma will soon bring her to her knees, when her symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) render her unstable. She believes it is the end of her life. Will her resilience save Newyoricangirl just one more time?

Julia Torres is a childhood trauma survivor and was also in NYC on 9/11. Now diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), she is a fierce advocate for fellow survivors of trauma for both children and adults. Julia has delivered a TEDx Talk about her life's experience which continues to be viewed around the world and can be viewed on her website, Newyoricangirl.com. She is also an award-winning journalist, former  spokesperson, political appointee and, the first college graduate in her family. Her cultural connection to Puerto Rico makes her a passionate ally in securing equal voting rights and full congressional representation for American citizens living on the island. Julia's recovery and stability was hard fought and she's most grateful for her loving husband, sons and caring friends who believed in her resilience and determination to regain control of her life.