This post is based on an online interview form submitted by "Inquiring Mind" on December 12, 2012.  It was updated on January 15, 2013.

Tell us about yourself. I'm an avid reader and writer (e.g., poetry, short stories, world events...). I find joy in the arts (e.g., drawing, sewing, museums...), swimming, and rescuing strays. I owed to rescue animals: a Chihuahua/terrier and a Tuxedo cat. I refer to them as trouble-free family members.

What made you get involved in the HIV/AIDS community? Sharing and learning raises awareness when there is so much information.

If you could change one HIV policy or implement a new policy, what would it be?  I'd make Human Sexuality Education mandatory in middle and high schools. The person(s) teaching would have to be certified to speak on various issues. Guest speakers should be made available to discuss topics that the instructor is not equipped to handle. Some people believe that a child's guardian should handle human sexuality topics, however, some guardians fighter lack knowledge and think the topic is taboo. If this is the case, the child needs other resources to pose questions.
Who do you look up to or admire?   I admire animals. They are intuitive and peaceful beings. If you pay close attention to them, they have so much to offer; they are the gurus to serenity.  As for people: George Clooney, Alicia Keys, The Clintons, Bono... and many other celebrities/politicians that fight for causes for selfless reasons.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing people living with HIV/AIDS?  There's so much misinformation circulating about HIV/AIDS [and] the general public tends to believe what they hear without investigating. Moreover, since there are so many correlations between HIV and other diseases (diabetes, cancer, LUPUS, MS…) that there should be a focus for discussion. Peripheral neuropathy, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and blood counts to name a few have similarities among people living with these diseases. How are they similar? How do they cope?

If you found out your friend was recently diagnosed with HIV, what would you tell him/her?  Learn all that you can from legitimate resources: doctors, trade magazines (e.g., POZ, PA, Colors, Plus…), websites (e.g., WebMD, AIDS.gov…) , HIV organizations... Last, use your best judgment when making decisions. If it sounds questionable, then question it.

This post is part of our World AIDS Day blog series celebrating the Philadelphia-area HIV/AIDS community. To share your own story, please submit an original post to HIVPhillyWebmaster@gmail.com or fill out an interview form.