Hey guys! I was waiting to post this blog because I wanted to include my feelings about the men’s panel that was held tonight. I really enjoyed myself and I am glad we had such good speakers and story tellers. The four men were so gracious to talk to our class so candidly. They had the room laughing as well as gasping. I had a lot of questions but only asked one since I know everyone probably wanted to ask a million questions. They all spoke about the medicines they have to take, how they felt when they were diagnosed, who they told, whether or not they still have sex, and we even spent a little extra time talking about karma and religion. It was entertaining but very informative. I feel like the men got their personal messages across to us all. One of the men really seemed to know a lot about the microbiology behind HIV and others used humor to talk about their conditions. I wished the session was longer, because it seemed as though right when the conversation was getting really heated, we had to leave. I only wish I had the chance to attend the women’s panel. Either way, I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.
The question of the week this week was related to the “did you know?” in my blog. I had to share my feelings about disclosing someone’s information about their HIV status if they had sex with someone after knowing they were positive. I am a little torn on the subject, but I am leaning more towards someone being persecuted if they did this. I think we all have a right to privacy, but at the same time, this is like giving someone a death sentence. I think it is the other person’s responsibility to ask their partner about HIV testing and wearing protection, but in special cases (monogamous relationships) you can only do so much. Sometimes people aren’t asking for it, and they took precautions and still turned out to be positive. In these cases the person who knew they were positive should suffer the consequences.
The question of the week this week was related to the “did you know?” in my blog. I had to share my feelings about disclosing someone’s information about their HIV status if they had sex with someone after knowing they were positive. I am a little torn on the subject, but I am leaning more towards someone being persecuted if they did this. I think we all have a right to privacy, but at the same time, this is like giving someone a death sentence. I think it is the other person’s responsibility to ask their partner about HIV testing and wearing protection, but in special cases (monogamous relationships) you can only do so much. Sometimes people aren’t asking for it, and they took precautions and still turned out to be positive. In these cases the person who knew they were positive should suffer the consequences.
I will be taking the quiz online tomorrow. I have reviewed all of the slides once and I will again tomorrow. If it is anything like the other quiz, I am confident I will do well because I have studied the slides in advance. I am also starting to work on the assignment for next week where I summarize my blogging experience. I have nothing but good things to say about this so far! I love your feedback and also reading your own blogs. I hope everyone has a good week, study early for those finals!
Did You Know?
I wanted to find out more information about college students in other countries and I found something that I thought was interesting. According to a study, Nigerian college students didn’t think that they were at high risk of getting HIV. “85% believed themselves to be at little or no risk of acquiring HIV.” I find this to be a little ironic because so many people think that Africa is the source of this disease. You can read the whole article, but only if you join the website.
Reading your post made me wish that I had attended the male panel! Too bad your time got cut off. I would have had many questions as well. I am really glad that Teach gives us the opportunity to learn about HIV from the source. There is no better way of learning.
ReplyDeleteAny college student that thinks they are not at risk for HIV when having unprotected sex is stupid. I don't care where you are from! The proof of what can happen is all around us and it is pure ignorance if you try to ignore it. That is a very surprising statistic you found about Nigeria!
I too missed the men's panel, but heard it was very open to say the least! The women's panel was very informative as well.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of the thinking that goes on with college students is that they think they are invincible. I know I thought so when I was college-aged. Thinking that having unprotected sex is no big deal can get you killed or get you infected. Not to mention an unplanned pregnancy! No thanks....I'll stick with wrapping it up.
You're Just Wear It pics made me laugh, too!
I am upset that I missed the men's panel. I was able to see the women's so I can only imagine how much fun the men were. I thought long and hard about our QOTW because if it was me I wouldn't want my college knowing I am HIV positive. I would only hope that I would be responsible enough to tell my partners in advanced about my status. It is definitely a tough topic to bring up in the beginning of a relationship, but it is better then the whole school knowing.
ReplyDeleteI loved your photos!