Nipomo High School Presentations

So today, I spoke to the health classes at Nipomo High School. The class and students to were amazing. It was a privilege to share my story to another group of teens. It's so important for our youth to start being aware and advocates for their selves. Got some amazing feedback and quite a few non anonymous students who gave names and emails or phone numbers. Doing this bring me so much joy, even if the entire class gets nothing out of what I say, which I find that hard to believe, I'm telling my story, it's getting easier and easier.  Smoother and less stressful. I've added more personal items about myself, like a slide show of family pictures. I've also brought in sterilized tattoo equipment and a basic tattoo gun. This made for so much more eye opening moments. I thank the Lord everyday for putting me in a advocacy position and that every share is getting easier and easier, which is making me feel even more comfortable and confident and less stigmatized!!  END THE STIGMA 2015!!!

Nearly A Month

It's been nearly a month since I've posted anything.... and to be honest my resolve is torn!!. I haven't been motivated to write anything because I've fallen back into a depression. And if I force it then its, fake... so I feel my lackluster "job/conquest" is fizzled itself out. I'm gonna be 30 in a few days and honestly that scares the shit out of me. I was told 10 years and I would eventually start deteriorating.... a few days from now will be exactly 9 years I've had HIV, and at 41 my father ultimately committed suicide due to his illnesses..... mental, physical, and self-induced!! He had HEP C which isn't much different than HIV. From drugs and tattoos. Go figure!!! "And the child will always follow in the father's footsteps"... anyways, I'm still here people, just having one of those moments in life!!!

HIV outbreak in Indiana

http://nbcnews.to/1bxEdtz

Philadelphia Scientists "delete" HIV virus from human dna

http://guff.com/glt-scientists-delete-hiv/20?ts_pid=2

This is unbelievable news. But we will see how long it takes to become funded and expanded.

Endless True Love

But after she explained things to us and referred me to a few more doctors I was more willing to hear things.  Later that afternoon, I called Brad and said "I need to talk to you, seriously". He came over as soon as he could. I just began balling and couldn't even start the conversation. Once I finally did I basically told him, he's got a free out of this relationship, he didn't choose this, and sure wasn't expecting it. To be 19 and having a baby is already scary enough, but with a woman who could potentially harm him and our children. I was fully willing to give him up and had already understood what the repercussions would be If he chose to leave. But God willing, he stayed and said "Yeah and, it's just more to love you for". And nearly 8 years later he has stood by my side. Without question or without fear. True love is something I'd never known or seen, and it made me so guilty and uncomfortable knowing this man truly loved me. It took a long time to truly love him and a lot of my own mistakes before I knew he was here to stay. I thank the Lord everyday he chose to stay. It just didn't seem fair to him, to be with me, and potentially, get HIV. My worst fear. He's never once been concerned or worried. He's done his research and has told me "it's not the worst thing that could happen." I have different opinions and and someone with HIV would nearly be devastated to transmit to our loved ones. Truly, at least that's how I've always felt.

Stigma Panel

I've been asked to help with the Stigma Panel being held at Cal Poly on May 21st from 4:00-7:30.  I'm very excited and promise to post more info as soon as I get it!! 

Doors Have Been Opened

It can take one person to change the world and I'm not aiming to change the world, but if I get to a few people with my message I could save lives. And if I could literally save 1 I would be stoked, but the possibilities of changing multiple are pushing me full force into my advocacy.

I met with an old high school counselor today. He's known me for years, not just during high school. He's worked at AG High and Nipomo High. He gave me connections to some great people for future youth talks.  He also said he would personally call these connections and put in a personal voucher for me. WOOHOO thank you Lord for opening doors for me. This could become huge...

FOUND MY TRUE CALLING

I may just be reiterating some things that I've said, but I feel I've found my calling! I obviously want to continue my awareness advocacy because so far it's helped tremendously educate the youth. And I'm not saying I want to stop that either, but I have considered at the very near age of 30 becoming a youth counselor or testing counselor or even a teacher. I know that's pretty ambitious, but I know my calling is to work with youth and continue to raise awareness. Any thoughts on this issue or possible reconsiderations so I'm not going back to school at 30 until I'm 40!!!! Because that in itself scares me! Or any possible contacts! Thanks for sharing in this journey with me, it's helped educate and raise awareness to a lot of youth, but it's also healed me, made me become more self confident, and given me my spirit back after a very rough few years when I thought it was gone forever!!!  "Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." - Ezra 10:4

Live Like A Warrior - Amazing Song

Matisyahu - Live Like a Warrior: https://youtu.be/qf-DOEim250

Feel like the world don't love you
They only want to push you away
Some days people don't see you
You feel like you're in the way
Today you feel, as if everyone hates
Pointing their fingers, looking at your mistakes
You do good, they want great
No matter what you give they still want to take
Give your love and they throw it back
You give your heart they go on attack
When there's nothing left for you,
Only thing that you can do, say

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Fight like a Warrior,

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Live like a Warrior

Some things you should let go, they're only gonna pull you down,
Just like weight on your shoulder they are only gonna make you drown
We all swing high, we all swing low,
We all got secrets people don't know
We all got dreams we can't let go,
We want to brave, Don't be afraid
Ohh

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Fight like a Warrior,

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Live like a Warrior

Your heart is too heavy from things you carry a long time,
You been up you been down, tired and you don't know why,
But you're never gonna go back, you only live one life
Let go, let go, let goooooo, Let go, let go, let goooooo,

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Fight like a Warrior,

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Live like a Warrior

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Fight like a Warrior,

Today, today, live like you wanna,
Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire,
Live like a Warrior

Testimonials/Answers I got from the AG Health classes

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.

Rocked It

Ummm, so who kicked ass today at her presentation????!!!!! THIS CHICK! totally rocked it!! So good, that they've asked me to come back and talk to all 6 periods!!!! Waiting for schedule options, but it's on like donkey kong!!!

Waiting & Nervous

So, I'm nervously and anxiously waiting at AG High school to do my health class presentation!!!

Health Class Presentation Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my health class presentation at AGHS... I'm so nervous and excited!!!!

Q & A - Need some ideas

Need some help with ideas... so my lovely friends could you please answer the following questions:
Trying to get a statistical baseline!!

#1 how much do you know about HIV? what questions do you have about HIV?
#2 how many of you have tattoos? How old were you when you got your 1st one.
#3 (please answer honestly) how many of you have had an HIV or HEP-C test?

MEETING HAS BEEN SET

So as of Monday, I will be talking to 1 health class during 3rd period at AGHS!! Oh my gosh, this is so amazing.... Im literally so elated, nervous, and anxious!! Let's end this stigma now!!! If out youth dont make the changes then this will continue to be an epidemic!!! SO STOKED!!!! God give me wisdom and guidance!

I AM NOT... I AM HIV+