A Day in the (Work)Life

       Yesterday I spent the day in training.  We have annual training that is required by the state.  I have to say that no matter how many times I go to these trainings, I learn something new.  Something different and something valuable.  Every year I see different faces from agencies that we collaborate with and even within our own agency.
       One assignment in the class was to get with someone you don't work with.  I got the privilege of working with a wonderful and kind woman from a neighboring agency.  The assignment was to tell our story of what has brought and kept us in our current field.  Which in this case is HIV.  For those of you who don't know.  I have been working in the HIV field since 2009.  She told me her story and what lead her to be seated next to me that day.  I was in awe of her strength and courage.  It was so powerful that I was scared to even open my mouth and begin!  Well, I tried to say something but this squeaky shriek came out instead.  

       Out of respect for her I won't disclose the story since I did not ask permission and she told me in confidence.  However, I can say this.  It is so refreshing to meet someone with so much love and purpose.

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       I've been working with people living with HIV and HIV Testing since 2009.  Honestly before that I hardly new anything about it.  I couldn't even tell you what HIV stood for without having to second guess myself and google it!  I was first given the opportunity in Corpus at the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation.  I was a Case Manager for a Evidence Based Intervention called "Many Men Many Voices"  It focused on MSM (men who have sex with men) populations in our community and helped identify how individuals were placing themselves at risk for HIV and other STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections).  Currently, I focus on University/College students in our area.  I perform HIV/HepC testing.  Make the appropriate referrals for students who need/request them. 

       Although I love talking and having people listen to me talk, I could stand in front of a class all day and talk about sex!  My favorite part of my job is getting the student/client to test for HIV.  I always say that on that on any campus that an HIV test will be the easiest test you'll ever take!  

My personal work motto is:  "If someone ever has to hear that they are HIV Positive, I'd rather them hear it from someone who gives a damn!"  

       Often my friends say "Your job is so easy!", "You never looked stressed out!", "You're never in your office!" or my favorite "Do you even work?"  

       Yes, my job is easy, because I love it.  I never look stressed out because I've been trained to hide my stress and manage discomfort.  When you have to tell someone they are HIV Positive, you can't worry about how you're feeling about the diagnosis.  It doesn't matter if you didn't sleep or you had a bad day.  If you go to work, then you better be present for that client.  I take my work everywhere with me.  I have to get a lot of information from someone I've never met before in a small amount of time and still complete all of the protocol Based Counseling required to insure I'm being of service to that person sitting in front of me.  Venerable and uncertain.  I have to be ready to change a persons life in 20 minutes, just in case that test comes back reactive.  I know I never answer my work phone because I'm not at my desk.  I'm out in the streets with my clients.  I make pit stops at places I know of where my homeless students gather to say hi and make sure they're still in class and check on their G.P.A.s.  Even at the gym, someone will see a work shirt I have on and start an entire conversation about HIV and that they know someone who is living with HIV.  No matter where I go, work is there.  So yes, I am always working.  I don't have a conventional job.  I'm not a conventional person.  I'm strange and unique.  

       I carry the weight of the world on these shoulders because I choose to.  I light up the dark for anyone who appears to be lost.  I give love freely because it's the most valuable thing.  People will not always remember what you say, however, they will always remember how you made them feel.  So don't be a dick!