David, 23
When I Found Out:
One of my friends tested positive at 19, I tested positive at 21 - it really is an epidemic. Since discovering my status, I have encountered more and more people under the age of 25 that I would have NEVER guessed would have HIV according to the stereotypes I had formed in my mind.
How I was infected:
I'm not sure - I was in a relationship at the time; however, both of us were not monogamous.
Why I decided to get tested:
It was part of a research study about drug use, I got paid to get tested.
The biggest challenge I deal with living with HIV:
Accepting the stigma that is existent and learning how to share with others my struggles as well as the things I have learned - and not being a stereotype.
What I've learned from living with HIV:
How precious every moment of life is - how there's no gift in regret, only in change. How I am responsible for everything that happens in my life - I am not a victim - and therefore I have the power to create anything.
What I think is the biggest difference between people's perceptions and the reality of living with HIV:
Everyone thinks that it's so easy to acquire, when in reality, there are sets of circumstances to becoming infected. It is easily preventable. Also, a lot of people still think that it's a death warrant, when the advancement not only in pharmaceuticals, but also in nutritional science and genomics (nutraceuticals), support my quality of life and wellness.
Who I thought HIV affected before I learned I was positive:
I thought it was only people who lived in the 80s and 90s - older men, noticeable lip dystrophy, crystal meth users. How wrong was I...
What I want someone who is HIV negative to know about me:
I am still capable of doing ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that I could do before my seroconversion; however, I have had a wakeup call to do my calling. I want to be a positive impact on the world and nothing can stop me but myself.
