I have been educating about HIV since 1995. Yesterday in Jackson I had my very best experience. I spoke for four periods....(They were 80 minute periods....exceptionally long) The last class was an honours class. These kids were a lot of fun. They acted really silly, but in a very controlled way. Reminded me of my High School days with all of my buddies and "girlfriends".
There is a point in my lecture that I show a graph of my HIV Viral Load over time. Viral load is the amount of HIV that is present in your blood. If you are taking your medications your viral load should be in the "undetectable range". Mine, has been undetectable since June 2003. Well, what was really funny...and scary. Thirty minutes after I showed the slide...these kids starting quoting things off of the paper. One girl noted my birthday and another my address. One man started ranting out numbers, and finished with my patient number. (No. 7) I was one of the first attendees of a new branch opening office.
What tremendousl photographic memories. It was a lot of fun and I marveled at their attention to small details. They also understood everything that I taught and took I was able to talk on a deeper level less on the surface.
In the end, this was of my last sessions this year. It ended on a great note. I always remind these kids to appreciate the next few months of their senior year of high school. I had a great high school experience and encourage many of the seniors I come in contact with to live in the moments....and love it.. They will always remember the High School Years.