THS: Bob Skinner

When I heard that we would be hearing a presentation from someone who currently is HIV+ I was really excited. It is always better to learn something from a personal experience or from someone who experienced it. This is true in all aspects whether you are hearing a story from a veteran or from Bob Skinner. Personally, it helps me retain the information better.

Bobs presentation was very informative, yet different than what I was expecting. I expected to hear more of his personal story of being HIV+; like how people reacted to him, if he was fired from his job, if his family/friends shunned him, etc. I did learn though that living with aids is VERY VERY expensive. I can't believe that just one of those little pills is up to $25 and that it costs approximately $3000-$4000 per month only for medication. I can only imagine the trouble he, and so many other Americans go through in order to pay for their medication.

Quality verses quantity? I think this thought is one that most Americans, including Bob asked themselves when they found out that they were HIV+. I believe when it actually comes down to it, that most people would rather live a longer life with awful side affects, then a shorter life with no side affects. Looking your best is not the most important thing in life. Who cares if you have a buffalo hump or sunken cheeks at least you are alive. Like Bob said, "What I have doesn't determine who I am." Mr. Skinner changed his way of live after being diagnosed. I think other people do this as well. In his case, he is recovering from both drugs and alcohol therefore living a healthier life.

Bob indicated that in rural regions HIV is transmitted via heterosexual intercourse. This is because women are afraid to ask the men to wear condoms. Another reason is because people do not have a lot of education or resources about HIV/AIDS. This is a major disadvantage of living in rural communities.