thought I possessed.
page 2 of 3
contents
of issue 75
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I guess there were two major factors that boosted my determination.
The first came to me in my 'angry' phase when I realised that there is
life, a working life, beyond HIV and the benefit trap, and I, like anyone
else, could choose it. As I contemplated my options, I knew that whatever
I chose would have to marry my passion and my creativity. Salary wasn't
as important as satisfaction.
I have always loved and related well to young children. Playing is something
I do almost instinctively; it's part of who I am - bubbles, kites and
fairy wings! So I'm training to be a play specialist, commonly known as
a nursery nurse.
Yes, there are moments when I feel fleetingly fearful of my HIV status
getting out and the potential consequences of that for me. But 'angry'
reminds me that equal opportunities policies are there to protect me and
if they don't, well I'll put on my Boadicea boots and fight.
Secondly - Mark.
I work with Mark and have done for the last 18 months. Because our social
lives overlapped, because we became friends, and because of the voluntary
work I was doing at the time, I chose to tell him my status. He was lovely
about it, as many people often are; he said it made no difference.
But it did - a positive difference. It gave me a growing sense of self-confidence
that
eventually led me back to college. Where, I have to say, my biggest fear is not getting my assignments in on time.
