A letter to my fellow peers:

Next week you'll embark on a venture, which may take you to faraway lands with beautiful sunny skies and warm weather, but don't let all the glamour of the fun in the sun ruin your memory of a good time.

That's right, while you may engage in drinking and what some may call irresponsible behaviors, just remember to grab your condoms and take them with you to protect yourselves. One moment of passion, intimacy and irresponsibility is never worth the lifetime of challenges that come with living with an STD or contracting HIV. Telling your future partners that you're infected with an infectious disease or to tell your mom you're HIV positive is never a fun task. Just remember you don't want hindsight to make you wish you had only protected yourself or been responsible. Take advantage of the free condoms on campus this week and use them. Remember it's OK to be selfish about your own health because no matter how long of a relationship you're in, be it two minutes, two days, months or years, if you're sexually active you're at risk. And if your "relationship" dissolves, you're left with what the relationship leaves you.

Don't get caught up in the moment. Get caught up in protecting yourself and keeping yourself STI-free today, every day and especially during spring break.

From one HIV positive peer to another, have a fun and safe time.