“It is important for positive speakers...to bring information, including age-appropriate health and sex education to elementary and junior high school children, as well as to high school and college students. Educating children and giving them an opportunity to ask questions in a safe environment is crucial. Positive Speakers provide an important adjunct to classroom teachers in educating students regarding factors and consequences to consider when making the difficult decisions we face from childhood on.”
-Frances Jackler, Ph.D., De Anza College Instructor
“[Positively Speakers] presented heart-felt speeches outlining the dangers of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. I feel [this] is the most important and valuable aspect of our 8th grade 'Draw The Line' health program.”
- James C. Cooke, Castillero Middle School Physical Education Department Chair
“The students were really moved by the stories shared with them. I am enclosing the letter they wrote to you. It’s important that you know directly what an impact you made on their lives.”
-Linda
Sommer,
“Listening to your story made me think about my life and myself reflectively, and you also gave me the lesson about an AIDS patient. Your poem was so powerful but also sad. There was no difference between holding your hand and holding [any]body’s hand. AIDS patients are...normal people. They need love and friendship. I heard and remembered the message you tried to convey to everyone, and I want to tell you that your story affected my values a lot. Thank you!”
-Student
“I would like to thank you for taking the time to educate our class about HIV and AIDS. I knew very little about the causes and consequences of the virus until I took this class and got to meet you. I didn’t realize just how important it is to heighten HIV and AIDS awareness because so many young people today are under the misconception that only gay men can contract HIV, or that it’s curable, or that they can’t get it. I’m sure that many of them aren’t even aware of it nor do they practice safe sex. It’s people like you who help make a difference in this world just by educating others. Most of all, I admire you for your openness, your strength and courage for all that you have had to endure. It was an honor having you as our speaker. Your words of wisdom and encouragement were deeply appreciated."
-Student
“Le
agradezco mucho que haya venido a contarnos sobre su historia. La historia de su vida me hizo reflexionar sobre muchas cosas. Me hizo
valorarme más
- Student
“Hearing your story has opened my eyes and given me much more appreciation for life. Your story has made me realize that I need to respect my life and make very careful decisions. Now that I am more aware, I can try to be a better person. I’ve never really cared or noticed if people/strangers around me needed help, but now I want to notice. You can’t ignore the world around you. Thank you for doing what you do. Wish you the best of luck.”
-C.N., Student
“Siento mucho lo que le pasa pues a mi tía tambien le pasa lo mismo. Me duele mucho por que todos los dias llora por que dice que sera de sus hijos? Puesto que no tienen a su padre con ellos, pues la dejó por otra mujer y los dejó solos. Yo le quiero dar las gracias por haber venido aqui a contarnos su historia pues nos yudó mucho a valorar la vida y a cuidarnos.”
-C.D., Student
“Growing up when AIDS was first brought into the mainstream, I don’t think I thought it would ever affect me, at 42 I can see how wrong I was. I now know I must be more open and honest with my partner of their past activities as well as my own. Over the weekend I did discuss your story with a few friends, and I know I was unable to drive it home with the intensity of your honesty and emotion in class. The impact of your story however had an impact on them similar to the way I did. We are not as educated as we think we are! While I cannot imagine what it is like living with HIV/AIDS, I hope in my lifetime I never will have to, thanks to your story. I believe you are a stronger man than I, I don’t think I would or could handle it as well as you have.”
-Student
