12: What About the Future?

Every generation crafts its own identity and culture. The baby boomers had a huge influence on America and its values, through the “me” generation, to today’s Tweens who had technology at their fingertips from the time they could walk.

The workplace is changing dramatically as generation Y young adults are launching their careers and as many boomers look to retirement. A generational clash is also taking place in many ways where traditionalists bristle at the notion of 24/7 connectivity and casual working styles de-emphasizing work and maximizing independence. The world of HIV is also changing. In Minnesota, there were 325 new HIV infections reported in 2007 and thirty percent of those cases were seen in those age 29 and under. This isn’t entirely surprising as young adults are exploring relationships and their sexual identities. However, this is a generation that has had HIV as a backdrop for its entire existence, what’s missing?

For many Minnesotans, the basic information is there but if there is no personal connection then it is too far off. Nick Schrott, 26, explains that “I had been taught from an early age what HIV was and how it was transmitted, but it always felt so far removed from my personal life.” As Nick grew up in self-described small-town Minnesota, the risks seemed low. He recalled seeing reports of Ryan White’s challenges on the news, hearing of Magic Johnson’s diagnosis, watching MTV’s HIV awareness campaigns, and actively teaching others about safer sex in college but a few years later he learned that he was also HIV positive.

His initial reaction was surprise, concern, and fear like most who get an HIV positive diagnosis. However, Nick’s response then quickly turned to connecting and sharing with those close to him as he knew he’d want, and need, their support. It’s a stark contrast to many who are now in their latter 30’s or 40’s who may not have told anyone for a long time, if at all. “I think people in their 20’s do have a more understanding nature of this disease through things they’ve seen like the film Philadelphia or The Real World where people or characters have been HIV positive,” said Nick. He spoke with friends within days and his family knew within months at the first opportunity he had to visit with them.

Nick then began to reflect on what would his diagnosis mean for him. What about dating? Will medications be covered by insurance? When do I see a doctor and how do I find one?

His diagnosis was a time of personal change and re-examination in terms of his priorities. “I became more focused with my career and education,” and Nick dedicated time to taking the best possible care of himself. His diet and exercise routine became better than ever as a way to try and stay healthy. Fortunately for him, Nick has done exceedingly well in maintaining a low viral load and staying in good health though not everyone with HIV is as fortunate.

Following his diagnosis, Nick sought opportunities to work with and help others living with HIV. He became a health educator on HIV and is working with Positive Link, a program for gay/bisexual positive men, through the Minnesota AIDS Project. He wanted to help others face the challenges that HIV presents. He recalls the days of waiting tables and having no insurance to pay for doctor visits or other health expenses. “I literally had a shoebox of cash to pay for things and would take the money out when I needed it,” said Nick “It wasn’t exactly a long-term solution.”

When looking at what can be done to help stem the tide of rising infection numbers among teens and young adults, Schrott notes that prevention messages must continue to be tailored to meet the needs of younger generations. “We’ve got to reach them where they are whether it’s online surfing, YouTube, or social networking sites,” added Nick. Prevention messages work but they also need to be expanded and updated to include others that still feel like HIV is not personal to them. The fact that medications have made HIV potentially more manageable is a great benefit but he also cautions that more needs to be done for young adults of all communities to understand that there’s a “wide range of responses and experiences with HIV that make each person different but there’s a common thread in that you don’t want to get HIV. We want to break down walls in the community and help anyone who is living with HIV and educate them on their options but there are still people struggling and still dying.”

Like every generation before it, this one will also shape the world. In preventing HIV, this generation will take the lead on education that connects people across boundaries and across cultures. And maybe, just maybe, the next generation won’t have this same challenge.

Last Updated: Monday, June 23, 2008
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