I Know HIV
knowing someone means learning something
allyAlly
bernardBernard
aerialAerial
knowing someone means learning something

Sue was born January 11, 1994 in Zambia. She came to the United States in August 2001. Sue now lives in Missouri where she is enjoying her sophomore year of high school. Sue is a very responsible, hard working and incredibly bright young lady. Her teachers and mother describe Sue as being, “very considerate, compassionate, and aware of the needs of others.” Sue stands out as a student such that she is enrolled in 2 accelerated and 2 honors courses. In her spare time, she is involved in a Latin Club, “Unitown” a diversity issues committee, and volunteers every Sunday for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. She enjoys relaxing at home with her mom, scrapbooking, playing on the computer and cooking.

Sue’s Bio (continued)
Sue has been part of Project Kindle for over 5 years and participates in Camp Kindle and SPEAK OUT regularly. Sue is a role model and had become a leader in the SPEAK OUT program. Sue is very active in fighting AIDS Stigma by sharing her story with others. When Sue was very young her mother called her into the living room, asked her to have a seat and told her, “I am sick.” Her story is powerful and her strength will inspire. Sue says, “I sometimes feel as though I’m living a lie. I am hiding my true self from everyone in the fear of not being accepted. I feel as though I’m trapped deep within myself. I have the key and the permission to release myself, but every time I try, I slip and drop the key.”

Q&A with Sue

Q: What are some challenges or differences in your life because of HIV/AIDS?
A: Ever since I learned about my mom having HIV I have also learned to cover it up. Hide it. Not to get too close to others. Cover myself. I didn’t want to tell my friends because I didn’t want them to treat us different. It’s still hard, even after being more comfortable with talking about it. I still don’t tell. It’s a little easier to get along though.

Q: If you could wish for anything in the world, what is your wish for 2009?
A: My wish for ’09 is to have the strength to get over my fear and reach out to more people. To trust them enough to let myself be a good friend to them and them to me.

Comments are closed.