Shay’s Story with HIV

The best thing REACH has done for me is give me a mentor. My mentor is my best friend. We hang out once or twice a month. We do a bunch of fun stuff around town. We even talk about what’s going on in my life, like school, social life, or relationships. She also gives me advice when I need it. She’s been my friend for the past nine or ten years.

Even though I’ve always gone to REACH, the rest of the year isn’t always so great. I usually feel like an outcast. Seeing other kids my age sucks because I know I’m different. I don’t have friends that know what it’s like living with HIV. Sure, I look perfectly fine, but a little voice reminds me that I’m not. Some days it doesn’t bother me, others it’s like a boulder pulling me down. This feeling got worse in fifth grade. We were just starting to learn about HIV in health class. I could tell the information was old. I asked my mom to come into my class to talk about HIV like she did for the high schools. As she told our story it was the first time my classmates knew; I could see how they saw me change. Some pitied me and tried to sympathize, others were disgusted. They avoided me like the plague, thinking they’d get sick. It didn’t stop there, it got worse in high school. I had people calling me names, putting horrible notes in my bag. Eventually I found five or six notes in my locker the day my friend was gone. I told her about it and she admitted she had been throwing them away so I wouldn’t know. I tried to keep people away by putting headphones on and playing my music loudly, giving myself an unapproachable vibe. However, one person insisted on talking to me and did what he could to get my attention. We ended up becoming friends later, simply because he saw me as a person.

However, despite my bad experiences, REACH gives me something to look forward to. Going to Labor Day camp is easily the best four days of my year. We’re a giant family. I have friends I grew up with that are the only ones who know what living with HIV is like. Everybody is kind and understanding, we make sure nobody is left out. Someone always makes sure you feel welcome.

REACH has had and still has a huge impact on my life. They’ve given me hope and the strength to get through each year. Because of them, I know I’m not alone.

Watch for a new REACH Story coming soon…