Rumors of sneezing, kissing, tears, sweat, and saliva spreading AIDS caused people to panic.

I'm just one of the kids, and all because the students at Hamilton Heights High School listened to the facts, educated their parents and themselves, and believed in me.

Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me.

I came face to face with death at thirteen years old.

Most recently my battle has been against AIDS and the discrimination surrounding it.

AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, Mom taught us to keep going. Don't give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself.

I believe in myself as I look forward to graduating from Hamilton Heights High School in 1991.