The girl who was viewed as sort of “different” from the rest of her friends, was the one who never dated two or more guys at once.
She didn’t find it appeasing when a guy complimented her on her figure, rather than her personality.
This girl became somewhat of an “observer.”
Noticing her friends’ promiscuity helped her to determine the road that she wanted to take for engaging in sexual activity.
I was that girl.
Admittedly, I’ve always been afraid.
Not of death, but the cause of death.
However, whenever God is ready to say, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” I’ll be ready.
But the cause of death would not be from contracting HIV/AIDS.
Sorry, but this life threatening disease will not play a part in my departure.
Looking back on my younger days, I’m thankful for witnessing my friends’ situations, because it prepared me mentally.
Now that it is National HIV/AIDS awareness month, it’s upsetting that both men and women are not educating themselves about this disease.
Each year the numbers are increasing, and it is targeting the younger generation.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new set of statistics, stating that the HIV/AIDS occurrence in the United States had increased about 40 percent.
But, it doesn’t end there.
Recent demographics revealed that HIV/AIDS had a high percentage rate among African Americans, Latinos and southern rural communities.
According to 211bigbend.com, the Florida Department of Health’s 2008 records estimate that 89,520 Floridians are living with HIV.
Males account for 70 percent and women account for 30 percent of cumulative reported HIV infections.
People lie, numbers don’t.
We need to take the time to educate ourselves and get involved in the prevention process.
The phrase “in the heat of the moment,” is completely understood, but it is not an excuse.
So if you decide to have sex, make sure to protect and enlighten yourself about the decisions you make.
No matter what you may hear about the experience, it’s not worth dying for.
Letitia Skippings is a fourth year broadcast student from Cocoa. She can be reached at famuanopions@gmail.com