HIV lecture: An issue in the 'Real World'

While many people know Dan Renzi for his role on "The Real World," he is out making a new name for himself on the college lecture circuit.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the Student Programming Council (SPC) hosted an informational lecture on HIV given by Renzi, model and counselor.

SPC planned this night in hopes of reaching the Marist College community on a topic not often discussed. It was a huge success, filling the cabaret to its capacity of 100 people.

A counselor at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for six years, Renzi's duties include guiding individuals through the HIV testing process. Renzi also participates in Federal Research programs, which gather information to assist places like the CDC in determining why individuals are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Renzi decided to be an HIV counselor to talk to other people his age to figure out how to deal with HIV. Around this time, the CDC discovered that one of the major risk groups of HIV infection in this country were college-aged people. This was the first time a lot of college students were being infected, especially women.

As a counselor at the time, Renzi said it was unnerving to watch as the rate of infection increased.

"It was disturbing to see the number of people being infected. It was no longer a question of morals or right and wrong, as it was in the 80s-it was a question of control. Everyone was blaming everyone else and they did not look at why people were being HIV infected," said Renzi.

He also said that college students go out to fraternity parties and clubs to alleviate themselves from responsibility. They drink and put themselves in precarious situations that can put harm on themselves and others.

According to Renzi, drugs are a large factor in increasing sexual activity.

"Crystal myth is a humongous factor in the infection of the HIV virus among college students," said Renzi.

He commented on the criticisms college students receive in relation to underage drinking, pre-marital sex, and taking drugs.

"I do not believe you (college students) are bad and behaving badly. I believe society is not doing a good job educating you," said Renzi. "I think when people talk about HIV, they talk about it as a virus with all these medical explanations, but fail to talk to you about who you are and why you do the things that you do. I encourage you to make choices for yourself and not be afraid of what others will say."

Renzi reminded students that the CDC is there to listen to concerns. They are also there to assist with problems and do not demoralize individuals for their decisions.

"When you're in college and you're thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your life, take a step back and worry about what you are going to on a daily basis to stay alive," said Renzi.

When asked for their reactions, students agreed the lecture was a good experience.

Elizabeth Parrilla, sophomore, said, "I thought it would be cool to see a character from a reality TV show that I am a big fan of and possibly get an autograph. Looking back, however, it was a great experience that I learned a lot from."

Nikki Herron, junior, said, "My motivation for attending this lecture was to see Dan from the real world speak and listen to a new and fresh perspective on HIV and its history. He was very straightforward and never preached about the information. His humor made the crowd very comfortable and I felt his presentation was done very well.