So what I have learned in this class, could never be matched to any other class that I have taken so far, I am not sure if it is just me, but I think about this class at least 6 times a day, this week more than others because of the M&M simulation, but this class and information that we have learned is not comparable to any other class. With the discussion topics I have had more in-depth conversations with my family than I have ever before. As much as think about this class, I can't wait for it to be over with, but like any other class that I have taken once it is over, usually the material that I have learned is gone, for this class, not so much. It is something that I will carry on and refer to for the rest of my life, I feel I have a one up on others, because I know so much more about this topic, than most people do.
For a couple of weeks now I have been selling candy for the HugMe organization. This is is where I have realized people really don't anything about HIV or care to know and there really is a stigma out there regarding HIV/AIDS. It has to the point for me now where I tell people I am selling candy for an organization in Orlando. I sold a couple of candy bars to a women, I believe she is in her mid 50's. After she bought the candy, she asked where the money was going and I told her and the minute I said HIV she just looked at me with a dumbfounded look. The only thing she said back to me was at least the money is staying within the U.S.... If I would have told her what charity it was and what the money was for I really don't think she would have bought anything. Sad :(
DID YOU KNOW...
"HIV develops very rapidly among infants and children, and, without treatment, a third of infected children will die of AIDS before their first birthday, with half dying before they are two. In 2007, there were 270,000 deaths attributed to HIV in under-15s, most of which could have been prevented through early diagnosis and effective treatment. Though the number of children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased significantly in recent years, at the end of 2008 less than 40% of the 730,000 children needing ART in lower- and middle-income countries were receiving it"(2009, HIV/AIDS treatment).
(2009)Avert.HIV & AIDS Treatment. Received November 4, 2009. From http://www.avert.org/hiv-children.htm
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I definitely have to agree with you Kellie. I've learned so much from this class, I find myself constantly talking to others about what I've researched for the week. I find myself doing my own research as well that is not related to assignments we've received in this class, because every since our first class assignment, I've been motivated to make a difference in this world. I want to help educate others on HIV, the more educated we are the better off we are.
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed this class, and I look forward to the remaining weeks.
I must say that I agree with you in that this class consumes most of my thoughts these days. I thought this class would be "an easy 'A',but it has turned out to be everything but that.This class has challeneged my every thought and emotion. I find myself bringing up HIV in justrandom conversations at home and work - although work mostly, since I work in the ER (and we often getHIV positive patients).
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. I can't go a day without thinking about HIV/AIDs and if I'm going to get it or not. Even when I'm sitting in class I look around the room and wonder if other students know that some of their decisions could harm them for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this class has had the most impact on me in my undergraduate career. The combination of assignments and modules have caused me to really gain an interest in the HIV/AIDS virus. The M & M simulation was difficult for me this week as I was constantly forgetting to take my medication!
ReplyDeleteIf you say children with a life threatening illness, you won't get much opposition. Say HIV and you're correct in that many would turn away. Does it amaze you that after 28 years of this pandemic, that there is still a stigma associated with this disease, even for children?
ReplyDeleteNo one has died from AIDS, Kellie. Most of the HIV deaths in children that you refer to are in third world countries because they don't have access to the ARVs.