Friday, June 25, 2010

Healthy Hookups

Last night, Zijun and I attended a "Healthy Hookups" session along with about 400 other Summer@Brown students. 

Boys and girls of different ages, sexual orientation, ethnic background, and knowledge about hookups gathered together in the Salomon Hall for a one-hour long informational session. The speaker had a wide scope of knowledge and I felt good knowing that I am getting tips and answers from a credible source. 

She studied human sexual orientation and currently works for a health clinic. Working in this field for over a dozen years, she has seen and heard just about everything. 

In the first half of the hour, she discussed different ways to prevent pregnancy. She answered various questions asked by anonymous students in the latter half. Her enthusiasm and down to earth personality allowed the audience to feel comfortable and confident about themselves and what makes them happy. Laughter was constant throughout the entire session, and by that, you can tell that everyone was engaged in the session.

I learned new tips and information on the importance of a healthy hookup. Whether homogeneous or heterogeneous, maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner and being aware of the possible risks, infections, and diseases are crucial for both you and your partner. Attending this session inevitably increased my knowledge about hooking up in a safe way, but also increased my respect for this particular program. It is comforting to know that 400 other teens are sharing the same toughts and feelings as I am, and that it is "normal" to feel this way. I am grateful that Brown hosted this session because aside from attending class, attending sessions like this is truly an exhilirating learning experience as well.

1 comment:

  1. Stephanie,

    I'm surprised to learn that Brown even offered this session. Just from what you've described it seems as though things have gone backwards since I was your age.

    Our public schools often aren't allowed to discuss many of the things you mentioned here and probably most of the things you felt you couldn't mention here.

    In earlier times this was taught in the schools and the students felt free to discuss their questions with their counselors and teachers (those same people who are afraid of losing their jobs if they had such discussions with today's students).

    I'm glad that this was offered and even more pleased that it was received by the students as useful information.

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