Five Syracuse University students have taken the issue of STDs and HIV/AIDS out of the classroom and into real life to help spread awareness throughout the campus.
In association with Planned Parenthood and as a project for a communication and rhetorical studies class, the students have scheduled free and confidential STD and HIV/AIDS testing today at Schine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students interested in getting tested are taken to a confidential room where two state appointees administer the test.
"The main purpose of the assignment was to deal with an issue that you wanted to resolve," said Anwar Nasir, a senior communication and rhetorical studies major. "AIDS and HIV are issues impacting our community with one of the largest rates ever."
College students are likely to experiment with multiple partners and may take more of a carefree attitude toward sex.
"Students seem to be more into sex in college, especially with the influence of alcohol," said Maya Donilson, a senior environmental design major.
"People seem more willing and more experimental," said Charlotte Ruddy, a junior sociology major. "But it also depends on the person."
It is this risky behavior that seems so common in the college atmosphere that could put sexually active students in danger of contracting and spreading the HIV virus.
"There's a lot more to get it done at the health center," Nasir said. "We tried to make it quick and easy and painless, ideal for a student's lifestyle."
While the student organizers have distributed information on safe-sex practices, they decided that scheduling the tests post-spring break was ideal.
Although they said they have received many positive responses from their peers, it seems the majority of students on campus were unaware of the free testing. Even so, they all agree that the administration of the test raises awareness to important issues and reality.
"The more we talk about issues, the better we are to protect ourselves," Nasir said. "It enables us to make more conscious decisions of our actions."
Be the first to comment on this article!