Dylan’s SPEAK OUT Speech

I like to draw and I enjoy skateboarding. I also like listening to music. I really like more 80’s rock including Footloose.

HIV came into my life when my parents adopted my little brother Jamel. I was about 9 years old and I remember being so excited. Then my parents told about his disease I didn’t quite understand because I was too young, but as time went ton I learned more and more about the virus and I grew to understand. My family didn’t quite understand. I remember that my aunt Lin didn’t talk with us for a very long time because of the situation. I am happy to say that she has been educated enough to where she is talking to us again. I hope that this virus does not affect your life to a point that you are afraid to be around certain people. I had to learn to give him meds and take care of cuts, scrapes, and falls. When I was young, cleaning his wounds with gloves on, I felt really awkward because I didn’t understand what was happening. Now, I’m more comfortable and educated, and I’ve become very close to him. I used to be very scared; I didn’t know what to think. But now, I just want to stop it from infecting and affecting others, because it’s hard.

HIV/AIDS has impacted my life very dramatically. I’ve learned to have more empathy for people and the things that they go through. If not for this virus I don’t’ think I would be the person I am today.