2011 HIV Edmonton’s Community Education SIHA Summer Student, Lauren Paul

The knowledge and experience that I have gained with HIV Edmonton’s Community Education SIHA Summer Student position at has been so beneficial. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people this summer and I had the opportunity to learn from my colleagues, especially Tsion and Rob, with whom I worked closely.

HIV Edmonton's Community Education Facilitators, Tsion and Rob, allowed me to help them with many different events and activities which taught me so much about HIV and how to educate others about this disease. I had so many great experiences with conferences I was able to attend, such as the CATIE Harm Reduction conference and training sessions such as Dynamics; previously known as HIV 101.

Before working at HIV Edmonton, I only had an understanding of the basic facts of HIV and AIDS during my time at SIHA (Students’ International Health Association).  I didn’t really understand just how many different factors came into play for someone who is living with HIV. Presenting HIV and AIDS education at schools and working at events such as Dynamics, Boonstock, Millicent’s Red Diamond Retreat and International Youth Day has allowed me to build much more confidence regarding my knowledge of HIV and AIDS as well as my ability to public speak.

 My favorite presentation that I had was with Tsion. We were at the Africa Centre for Career Day. HIV Edmonton’s Community Education Department had been asked to come and speak on HIV Edmonton services. Instead our presentation turned into a discussion on HIV and AIDS. The kids had so many questions, some very off topic (haha!) It was nice to be able to teach the audience about HIV and answer all of the questions they had.

Throughout my position at HIV Edmonton, I also had the opportunity to meet many people from other non-profit organizations. Through talking with them, I discovered a lot about people living in vulnerable situations. There is a lot of incredible services that organizations, like HIV Edmonton, do for the community.

I am so grateful to have learnt from all of the wonderful people associated with HIV Edmonton and I really hope to make a difference working with other AIDS organizations in the future. I have gained valuable knowledge on HIV and AIDS that I didn’t have before. I now have a different outlook and understanding, which I hope to pass on to the volunteers in the Student’s International Health Association (SIHA) this year. I want to be able to increase education and decrease stigma and discrimination. Thank you to all of the staff and clients of HIV Edmonton that have made my experience so memorable!