This year for RAINN Day, a national day of awareness on campuses, RAINN hosted a series of virtual “study breaks” live on Instagram with the support of some very inspiring and uplifting guests. RAINN Day is one of the highlights of RAINN’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, or #SAAPM, activities.

Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Imaginary Friend, joined RAINN Day for the afternoon study break. During this virtual coffeehouse, Stephen read an excerpt from the 20th anniversary edition of his New York Times bestselling debut novel, for which he also wrote the screenplay and directed the film adaptation. This was followed by a Q&A session with viewers that included questions like, “What has been most surprising about the conversation your work has caused?” Stephen’s virtual coffeehouse was a truly powerful and uplifting RAINN Day moment.

“What I want people to take away is really just the hope that they can have a better life, that they deserve a better life, that there are paths to healing, of all kinds, that there are organizations, and that nobody on this Earth is alone,” Chbosky said. “... Organizations like RAINN are so important and so vital to getting people help.”

You can also check out other events from RAINN Day, including a special musical performance by singer-songwriter, Jade Bird and a self-care yoga class led by Jackie Reilly.