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.
