Why I Chose the Wellness Space: My Journey Through Shame, Stigma, and HIV Advocacy

By Karla Scipio, RN, MPH

I didn’t just choose wellness. Wellness chose me—through pain, purpose, and powerful moments that shaped my calling.

I graduated from nursing school during a time when HIV was still surrounded by fear and ignorance. We learned about gonorrhea and syphilis, but trichomoniasis and chlamydia were barely mentioned. HIV was whispered about, if mentioned at all.

I became a nurse, because I almost died during childbirth. That near-death experience shifted my life’s direction. I didn’t want to diagnose [read more]

Dating Life as a College Student – Episode One

By: Kamoria Reese

In this new audio blog series, I interview fellow college students to learn how they stay safe dating and the biggest concerns they face. I hear honest insights into the challenges of dating in college and what they desire in a partner. They also offer practical advice and describe their dating lives in just three words. Together, their experiences and perspectives offer valuable insight, support and relatability for anyone dating in today’s world.

The first interview is with Ashley, a college freshman majoring [read more]

Dating Life as a College Student – Episode Two

By: Kamoria Reese

In this newly launched audio blog series, I engage with fellow university students to delve into their approaches to safe dating and the primary concerns they encounter. They share candid reflections on the complexities of college dating and describe the qualities they seek in a partner. Additionally, they provide advice and describe their dating experiences in just three words. Together, their narratives offer meaningful insights, support, and a sense of connection for anyone navigating the modern dating landscape.

The second interview is [read more]

My Empowering Experience Working on the Empowerment Grant

By: Kamoria Reese

I am a sophomore majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track, and I want to share my journey working with the Empowerment Grant this spring semester. This opportunity not only gave me professional experience, but also personal growth that I truly value.

While working on this grant, I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills. I learned how to manage my time more effectively, take constructive criticism with an open mind and, most importantly, I learned not to be afraid to speak up. Looking [read more]

When the White Coat Changes: Lessons from a Transition in HIV Care

By Afrekete*

Recently, when my trusted doctor retired, it stirred emotions that I was not prepared for. As a Black woman aging with HIV, losing a provider who had become part of my healing journey felt like a gut punch, because I did not always have compassionate care.

After I was first diagnosed, I was under the care of a highly regarded White male doctor. His reputation was stellar, but for more than three years, I never reached undetectable. Every month, my [read more]

When A Relationship Ends…Questions and Worries Begin

By Tia Camille

I grew up in the 1970s, and my world was surrounded by images, stories, movies, television shows and real-life married women. For me, and most children of that time, the way of the world trained us to think marriage was the pinnacle point of love. Without it, you’d question whether you really ever found it.

The problem? No one ever really talked about the part when marriages don’t work like mine. Facing the final proceedings in my divorce in a [read more]