Featured Millennial: Paul Varga - A Voice for Domestic Violence Awareness

Saratoga County Alum and North Country On-Air Personality Paul Varga

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is meant to shine light on a devastating issue that usually goes unnoticed in the dark.

The reason for this is that often, the victims of domestic violence are usually suffering at the hands of a beloved member of their family.

It's important to keep in mind that domestic violence can and does affect all walks of life. It is not contained to a specific demographic or based on status, income, or intelligence.

One Saratoga Millennial who has chosen to air their personal experience with domestic violence is Clifton Park native and Shen graduate Paul Varga.

Paul is currently an on-air personality and the Program Director for North Country Radio in Lake Placid, New York.

Reaching residents throughout the Lake Placid and Plattsburgh areas, Paul recently used his platform to talk about his personal experiences growing up confronting violence in his home.

His interview for this broadcast was none other than his mother, who openly spoke about her mindset, the environment, and specific circumstances where she was abused by her husband.

"As a survivor I always try to do something that shows that it’s a problem," says Paul.

"In past years, I had experts on and I haven’t got personal on this subject, this year felt different and that it needed to be different. So the night before  I called my mom and asked her to come on."

Paul's choice to allow his mother to air their story led to numerous calls, Facebook messages, and and even old friends making a point to thank them both for speaking out.

"The first time I talked to a large group, I was in high school at Shenedehowa's Respect Day," says Paul.

Paul says that the reaction was "amazing" and led to many other students speaking up about their personal experiences, many who had never felt comfortable speaking in public until Paul voiced his story.

For Saratoga County, Paul Varga is an excellent Millennial and the type of leader who understands and believes in the importance of speaking up, so that others know that they are not alone. 

The entire radio interview can be listened to below: