Withholding information does no one any good. That’s why I am an advocate for the sexual health and rights for young people everywhere.

Shatericka works with Advocates for Youth and Tell Them as a State Activist in South Carolina.

American culture and trends are changing and as a nation, and it is our responsibility to realize what is best for the youth. That is why I believe a sound education is of utmost importance. The type of education I’m referring to is holistic, and includes sexual health education.

Sex and reproductive health are seen as sensitive topics when it comes to youth, but I welcome the task and that is what drives me to make sure that every adolescent and young adult has ALL the information necessary to make the RIGHT decision for them. Since I didn’t have a person to turn to or an educator to inform me what sexual and reproductive health really was, I want all future generations to have that information available to them.

On a college campus where many students had been taught only about abstinence until marriage, not about safer sex practices, I saw a need. A group of students and I created a pamphlet, PowerPoint presentations, and an impromptu skit that connected with students on a realistic level and actually made them think about certain decisions. Withholding information does no one any good. That’s why I am an advocate for the sexual health and rights for young people everywhere.