At Austin College in Sherman TX, we have a much shorter winter break than most college students. In fact at AC, most students return to school the first week of the new year to begin our January Term, a short mini-mester between fall and spring semester where we focus on a specific topic inside or outside of our academic discipline. While I opted for a science course with an emphasis on criminology a good friend of mine decided to take a lengthy and very in depth course on HIV-AIDS. After dining with this friend and a few other AC students last Thursday we began an open dialogue about HIV-AIDS. The friend talked to us about the initial symptoms of the virus, the history of where it originated, and other interesting facts. It became apparent the even the most informed members of our table were intrigued by the information, and glad to have learned more about the disease. Later that evening I discussed the matter further with the same friends, and after a few minutes we realized that none of us had ever been tested for HIV. Knowing that the test is simple, advanced, and relatively accurate I was very surprised. Being a college student who has engaged in sexual intercourse before I took it upon my self to get tested the following Monday.
     After emailing my campus nurse she gave me the name of a local clinic that specialized in free and confidential HIV testing in the Texoma area. After calling early this morning ,the Kally Clinic was able to set me up with an appointment for the same afternoon. While making the appointment and driving to the clinic was relatively easy, once I walked into the waiting room I immediately lost my cool as I pondered the implications of possibly  testing positive for HIV, and what that would have meant for me. I did my best to stay calm and collective. Misty, the medical professional who administered the test was dressed casually and brought me into her warm office where we made relative small talk before beginning the test. The test was done on a "Ora Quick" an antibody test that prduced results with in 20 minutes. It was a relatively simple device that I stuck into my mouth for a swab of saliva. Misty informed me that the results would be made available at the end of the session after some required statical questions. The questions would be followed by counseling regardless of the results. After some basic questions of previous partners and sexual activity, my heart began to beat tremendously fast as Misty did her best to make me feel at ease. Finally she showed me the results and thanks to god they read negative.
     This very real experience today brought to my attention the distress that one can feel prior to and during an HIV test. Many people feel out of control, and it is understandable that many would like to stay in the dark rather than go to an unknown facility where they are nor sure what exactly will happen. I suggest that a more openness about getting tested, and positive examples, especially on television and film should depict popular characters being tested for the disease. All in all, getting tested for HIV can be a heart wrenching event but the reassurance that one may feel afterwords, especially when found HIV-negative is a truly remarkable feeling.
At the Kally clinic, prior to receiving your results you and your test proctor devise a plan to practice safe and responsible intercourse for the future, regardless of your HIV Status. This is a great tool as it helps prevent futire unsafe choices. Also by asking each patient to provide basic demographic information the clinic is able to receive funding from the state of Texas that keeps the tests free.