Abstract
Often, when an article is written, it implies a certain level of expertise on the part of the author. I do not know if one can ever be an expert on supporting friends, family members, and students living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This article is not a declaration of finite practices of being an ally to these individuals. Rather, it draws from personal reflection, public health research, and student affairs theory to make sense of a personal journey where HIV/AIDS has touched nearly every aspect of my life: family, friends, colleagues, and students. This article asks the reader to examine their personal connections, experiences, perceptions and biases of students living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those who are newly diagnosed, in order to be better prepared and informed friends, colleagues, and student affairs practitioners to those living with the disease.
Recommended Citation
Purcell, C. (2010). Breaking the Silence: Examining Personal Preparedness of Supporting Students Living with HIV/AIDS. The Vermont Connection, 31(1). https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/tvc/vol31/iss1/17