Monday, October 10, 2005
Don't Be Hating
I have returned from my stagnant blogging status, reporting my vicarious life to you all once again. u must have missed me...but what can i say..pharm school ain't easy. Just got through my first hell week...and finally some down time. Life's been peachy as of late...school's going well, my current social status has been awesome, i'm a busy body, roommates are superb, made progressions in my previously non-existent love life, and there's sunshining in SF. I really have nothing to complain about. Of course, this life long rollercoaster has been in its inclining state...it can either flatline or go down (i am hoping for more incline tho). Just going to live it one day at a time and prepare for anything that might possible drop my mood down to its lowest point (oh my..what a pessimistic viewpoint...i must be PMSing hahah..)
I recently attended an AIDS forum. It was quite an experience. We've heard throughout our lives that AIDS is a very prevalent disease and we all need to watch out for it. In reality...do we really? None of us really think that it can happen to us and hence...don't give it much attention. Hey...as long as i'm not the one right? However, it is just amazing how once we do find out "someone" has HIV/AIDS...we immediately approach the person with caution and treat the person with discrimination without knowing. It was definitely quite a revelation to hear individuals living with HIV/AIDS speaking at the forum. The society is unsympathetic to their conditions and treat them unjustly. We always speak of discrimination as the segregation against the colors...what about the disabled and the diseased?!? NONE of us really are aware of the discrimination they must live with. Family turn away from them, society dispise them, significant others leave them, and worst of all...the loss of their own self-respects. As they walk on the street, go to interviews, interact with friends and family...they must endure the queer eyes looking their way and judgements/presumptions made by others.
HIV/AIDS is a disease...a disease that can be prevented if we only would've paid more attention to it. It has killed more people than the World Wars and the Holocaust...yet at the same time..because it is not "me" or "us" that contracted such a horrendous disease...we don't give it much thought. We shouldn't discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS ..and of course this extends to the disabled and the ones with other diseases. U think they want the disease? It's hard enough living with the side effects of the medications, pouring out savings for the expensive therapy, and the fear of dying any minute....the last thing they need is the lack of support from the ones they love so dearly and their community.
We shouldnt be fearful of the people with HIV/AIDS...they're just like every one of us...except with lower T-cell counts and a weaker immune system...which makes them more susceptible to infections. Treat them with compassion and just put yourself in their shoes...how would you feel if you're one of them? Care for the ones around you...offer them support through thick and thin...'cause u'll never know when you'll need them to be on your side.
Simple Pleasures in Life
1) Stress Free
2) Alarm Clock free
3) Chore free
4) Disease Free
5) Exam Free!
