Appropriately Inappropriate

The HIV/AIDS paper seems to be a never-ending pain in my rear end. We keep going over the requirements, the expectations, and the resources that they can use. I've been asked what a hook is over and over and over again. But this is not the part of this project that I will remember. What I will remember is how HIV/AIDS will prompt 14 and 15 year old children to ask many, MANY questions about sex. Here are questions/statements that I've heard in my class over the past two weeks:

Female student, while reading a pamphlet found in the commons near the counselor's corner about STIs and HIV: "Miss, what is petroleum jelly?" Me: "It's the stuff that they use when a woman gets an ultrasound on her belly." "Why are they talking about it in this pamphlet? Why is it bad for condoms?" "It's bad because it can break down rubber and make the condom ineffective." "But why are they using it? What's it for?" "It's a lubricant." Another student chimes in: "It's lube. Like in Superbad." I turn red and tell them that the conversation is now over.

Student writing a paper on how the distribution of condoms will be the most effective way to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa: "How much do condoms cost?" My answer: "I don't know." "Can we google it?" Students already at the computer: "According to Google, they are $3.00 for 3 at Rite Aid." Another student: "But let's look at Trojans. They're the best, right Miss? They have all of the commercials." Good job Trojan. You've got them eating out of your hands. Poor Durex.

A male student definitely referred to condoms as 'rubbers'.

Question "Miss, what is ejaculation?"
Answer "It's what comes out of a man during sex." (Or did I say when he climaxes... oh Lord)

Question "Does all kinds of birth control stop HIV/AIDS?"
Answer "No, it has to be a physical barrier, like a condom. Oral contraceptives don't stop STDs."

Question: "Is it the sperm that has the HIV?"
Answer: "I'm not sure because there are other fluids that come out so it might be in there."

So there, I've probably told these kids more about sex than many other adults. But you know what? I'm glad they're asking these questions. The last thing I want is for a kid to think that just because she's on the pill that she can't get an STD.  I'd like to stay naive about the whole situation and hope that none of them are having sex. I really wish I could just sit them down and say "Wait. Don't do it. These high school boys/girls aren't going to be worth it. Just wait till you're older and you know yourself better and you're more mature and it's someone you REALLY like. Please just wait." Probably a conversation I can have with my advisory girls since they are my advisory girls. I'll have to work that in somewhere.

On a lighter note: G Love this Saturday. Sweet. I've never seen them but I've heard they're great live. And the Super Bowl - we can't forget that, especially since I'm in the South and the Saints are pretty much the most important thing right now. And I may or may not have mentioned how much I love the Maple Leaf Pub, with their $1 mimosas on Sundays and now Trivia and $14 Steak, potato and you-call-it on Thursdays, but I'm mentioning it now. It love this place. And they have darts and board games. All they need now is shuffle board and I'd probably never leave.