I hope that one day we can collectively and effectively voice our opinions and influence our country to be more tolerant and responsible in sexual health.

Monica is a member of the campus organizing team.

I have always been fascinated in health sciences. In high school, I read biology like it was Harry Potter (yes I love the Harry Potter series), signed up for every possible health elective, and enthusiastically dissected anything at every possible opportunity. It was assumed by most people, including myself, that I would pursue a career in medicine.

However, upon entering college, I discovered a whole new realm of health subjects that I had never been exposed to. Anthropology and sociology classes not only opened my eyes to numerous social issues among other countries, but also brought to my attention a plethora of health related issues within my own country. I slowly learned how environment, social issues, and political climates can greatly influence health. Even more shocking was what I learned from personal conversations with peers. I had no idea that most students were unable to receive a sexual health education as I did. It astonished me that my friends could not identify or recognize the seriousness of certain risky behaviors. I also had no idea that sexuality discrimination was so prevalent in current society. At this point, between my enlightening courses and disturbing conversations, college life managed to burst the bubble in which I once lived. Although I was unaware of growing up naïve to the world’s problems, I’m glad I did. It shows that equality does exist somewhere- whether it is a family, a town, or the mindsets of adolescents.

After I became more versed in the complexities of social issues, I decided that I needed to pursue a health career that addresses all dimensions and determinants of health-not just medicine. I changed my course of study to public health and promptly joined REACH. REACH is a USF peer education organization dedicated to giving students accurate health information via high energy presentations and awareness campaigns. My experience with REACH has given me endless opportunities- in particular- the opportunity to participate in this retreat. I hope to learn more about advocating so that I can influence politicians and encourage my peers to become more involved in politics. As young people are under-involved, we are also under-represented in our ideologies. I hope that one day we can collectively and effectively voice our opinions and influence our country to be more tolerant and responsible in sexual health. We are the present and the future. It’s time to stop living in the past.