This week, I had a serious discussion with my students concerning sex and protection. Don't ask me how the topic came up. One minute, we were doing global history and chemisty homework; the next minute, we are discussing sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
One student began talking about his sexual exploits. He mentioned that he engaged in sexual intercourse in a park. Yes, I said park. Now I don't know about anyone here, but I feel that if your going to engage in sexual intercourse in public, it should be with someone whom you trust and have plans of a serious commitment. I may be old fashioned, shoot me. However, I had to ask the student several follow-up questions. He didn't know the girl very well and they were not seriously involved with one another. He also mentioned that he did not use a condom. This may be typical of teenagers today, I don't know, but I seriously have a problem with casual unprotected sex.
For those who don't know, I lost my younger brother in 2007 to AIDS. He was only 21 years of age. He was diagnosed at the age of 16 but did not reveal his health condition to the family until 18 years of age. He had also contracted Hepatitis C for which there is also no cure. I watched him physically, mentally and emotionally deteriorate for three years. Finally in November 2006 his was admitted to the hospital and never came home. It tore my family apart. I still have so many regrets but that is another post altogether.
Anywho, I don't know how many times I reiterated, "Use a condom every single time you have sex. It only takes one time, one moment. It's like playing Russian Roulette with your health. USE A CONDOM!" I don't think they heard me. So, my assistant principal came out of his office and said something which I thought to be quite profound. He told all of my students, "Assume that everyone has it and act accordingly. Protect yourself from every single person you engage sexual intercourse with because you just never know." Wow!!! Just assume everyone has something! Go figure!
Image: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, "Coppia Di Amanti" by Arnold Bocklin, 1866.
So Sorry to hear about your brother; I can't imagine losing someone so young. My son is 22; It is so tragic!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this was a great post, assume everyone has it is the only way to behave! Wow is right!
xXx
Reminds me of the advice I gave my three boys - use a condom or die! I think the message got through...
ReplyDeleteChary, your students are so lucky to have someone so open and caring. It had to be so painful to lose a brother at such a young age.
ReplyDelete@ Ellen-
ReplyDeleteThanks. My brother is sorely missed by me and my family.
From the photo, you don't look like you have a 22 year old son. What is your secret for staying so young?
Take care,
Chary
@ Ca88andra-
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I told my son, 16 years old. But I am also going to tell him to assume everyone has it too!
Thanks,
Chary
@ Chris-
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was really painful but we had seen him deteriorate for two years. It was expected but nonetheless painful.
Take care,
Chary
Yes, your students are lucky, and hopefully the message got through to them. My sis-in-law used to have packets of condoms on a table at the front door, and every time her son went out, she'd grab a handful and shove them in his pocket (and his mates too) they got used to the routine.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun doing it to my kids when the time came - the look on their faces was priceless ;) They've both told me it's habit now, and don't consider a partner who won't use them.
I suspect the painful experience with your brother would have added real passion and depth to the lesson.
My kids saw a cousin deteriorate to vegetable state through marijuana addiction. I've got my fingers crossed that that will help them overcome any drug use temptation.
Thanks Sue,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea to have them accessible when the kids go out for the night. I am borrowing this!
Take care,
Chary