It's movie time!

This week the HIV course has been all about watching movies, and best believe that watching movies is one of my favorite things to do. I work at a movie theater, so this assignment was right up my alley. To my surprise, I didn't enjoy these documentaries as much as I would normally. It wasn't that the films were bad, it was the fact that they were so realistic and strait forward. These films took my understanding of HIV to the next level. The documentaries changed my perspective toward HIV once again, having an idea of what a person and their family has to go through while affected by HIV made it that much more real for me.

Whether its a gay, strait, male, female, young or old, the virus will affect everyone just the same. The films reviled some of the most intricate details of people's life under the effect of HIV. Starting from when they just contracted the disease, up until point of death. This really struck me, seeing the aftermath of such a disease is mind blowing. Seeing first hand how fragile the human body can be, really makes you self conscious about life. The documentaries almost stuck fear into my heart as I saw even the most innocent youngsters die to this merciless virus. I'll be writing more about my reaction to the films after I complete the movie assignment. For now, what I have seen have altered my opinion on the subject matter forever. HIV affects not only you, but all those whom you have influenced.

On a lighter note, my HIV test came back on monday, and it was negative! Just being in that office gives your nervous system a run for your money. Although, it was funny, when they gave me the results back I noticed that they had misprinted my age and gender. This error ended my excitement quickly, and I asked the councilor to make sure these results were mine. After confirming that they were, I was happy to bid that place a final adieu.

Did You Know Time!

Since all my previous segments of Did You Know, are basically covered by module 2, I've decided that I'll be changing my Did You Know segment to exploring HIV in college students.

Now that we are all on the same page; Did You Know... that according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) 1 in 500 students are infected with HIV. (College) That statistic blows my mind, especially when it comes to the fact that infected people may not know that they are HIV positive until many years down the road. That means that this virus is capable and has the potential of spreading so easily. Especially among the college environment, where young college students are so likely to try new things on a daily basis. Lets say that UCF has about 50,000 students, that would mean that its estimated that 100 students would be infected with HIV. If you ask me that number is much too high, something more needs to be done, and not only by the school system, but by the students themselves. (College)

Web: College and University Blog. (2009) Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://www.stateuniversity.com/blog/permalink/College-Students-and-HIV-AIDS.html