So I talked to roughly 150 high school students this week. I could see the impact my story made on them physically by their facial expressions. However, there were a few students I couldn't quite read right off the bat, but those kids ended up writing me amazing 'thank yous' and honestly some of them brought me to tears. It was liberating, confidence building, and a huge relief to get my story out and potentially save some lives. It was so nerve wracking at first, but mostly after the first class I was relieved. I built a consistent/informational lesson to tell each class. Most of them were freshman, but some weren't. They were so considerate to my story and fully willing to listen. Some classes had more questions than others, but some classes were more informed about tattoos and HIV.
Here are a few testimonials/comments the students wrote to me:
• Dear Ms. Chelsea - I am praying for you. You answered so many questions and gave information that not every guest speaker would! I admire your strength and that fact that you did not let your HIV define you. I've had twelve surgeries so I kinda know what the whole medical/doctor/surgeon procedure list like. You are not alone.
• Dear Chelsea - Thank you so much for telling us your story. I think you're very brave. You taught me a lot today. I wish you the best of luck. You probably hear this a lot but I hope you get better. I hope you have a happy life with your family. Never give up. You're amazing. Goodbye.
• Thank you! What you talked about today in the class has made me think a little more. I would like to get a tattoo but when you came in saying that you can get HIV from a tattoo it got me thinking. I knew I would go in a tattoo shop (when I'm older) and get it and leave. Not knowing if the person used new equipment. So thank you because now I'll be more aware of it. Thank you.
• What you're doing is very brave and I appreciate you coming in to talk about it with us. It's pretty damn awesome of you!
• Thank you for coming and talking to our class. It's great that you're educating kids on this because this is the age where we start to think about these things and we could make a right or wrong decision.
• I'm extremely grateful you took the time out of your day to come and talk with us about your life and struggles. I know for sure I will be more careful if I ever decide to get a tattoo. And I'm happy to say that much of the stigma is gone and people are more aware of its dangers. I wish for you, your daughters, and your husband to live a long happy life. Thank you
• I wanted to point out one thing that stuck out to me in your talk. The love your husband has for you is absolutely amazing. With risk factors and being married to someone is scary, but your husband stuck with you and that shows truly how much he loves you.
• I wanted to point out one thing that stuck out to me in your talk. The love your husband has for you is absolutely amazing. With risk factors and being married to someone is scary, but your husband stuck with you and that shows truly how much he loves you.
• Chelsea - Thank you for coming and talking to us today. I have a friend who could benefit from this information and now I have the knowledge to tell her this information. I'm sorry you got HIV and you have to go through all of these medical problems. I hope that you will be able to live a long happy life with your children and husband. I hope you have and great day and I hope to see you around sometime. - Elisabeth
• Thank you! Yes I did learn a lot more about getting tattoos from you! Your story was amazing and your husband is amazing for sticking by your side! And would you tell your kids that you had HIV? Once again thank you and when I do get my tattoo I will be sure to ask questions and bring someone to watch them as well.
Chelsea - Thank you so much for taking the time to help educate us and share your story. It is so great that you are so comfortable talking about it because every little thing you say can save a life. Sometimes people with life-altering disabilities or problems seem to shut down or even give up, but you decided to live through it and even raise two healthy beautiful daughters. What you are doing to inspire and educate us is truly amazing and I am so glad you found out before it got too dangerous. God Bless - AJ
• Thank you so much for coming and talking to us. You have helped me so much prepare for my tattoo in the future. I had no idea that could happen and all clues of a tattoo parlor not being clean. I want a tattoo in memory of my mom's life and hearing you talk about your daughters and how you want to protect them from these diseases.My mom would be very grateful as well that you are teaching me. - Rebecca Burton ("I don't want to be anonymous")
•Thank you so much for sharing your story, I had absolutely no idea how hard your life became when you were diagnosed with HIV, but I am so sorry this happened. You are an absolutely amazing person and to fight this disease with such a positivity and spirit is truly inspiring. You have taught me the dangers of tattoos and what to make sure if I ever do get a tattoo and I am honored to have heard your story.
•Thank you so much for taking the time to come and talk to our class. It has been very educational. I think you are really great to come and educate us on these risks you had to unfortunately learn the hard way. You did not deserve that and I am sorry. I wish you the best In life and hope everything is fine.
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