When I reflect on my own sexual health education in high school, I remember very little. I do however recall my teacher fitting a condom over her arm— telling us to'not ever let a guy tell you he's too big to wear a condom,"—but that was the extent of my education. It was up to us to figure out the rest on our own, either through our parents (if we were lucky) or friends.
Chicago has some of the highest rates of STIs in the country, and the cases are disproportionately found in African-American and Hispanic youth. In addition, Illinois ranks 18th in the U.S. for number of teen pregnancies.
When teaching with the three other Erie Family Health Center CHC AmeriCorps members, we incorporate more than just basic facts into our classes. We teach essential male and female reproductive anatomy and we offer comprehensive information on abstinence, contraception, and STIs. One of my favorite activities is during our'Healthy Relationships" topic. We help the students realize, without forcing it on them, that each student has their own unique morals and beliefs that are crucially important when it comes to choosing a partner. This gives them liberation from social norms which many young people feel pressured by.
As health educators, we do more than just educate. We empower our students to make choices that lead to healthier, happier lives, and we encourage them to be autonomous when it comes to their own sexual health. When I was sitting in my own sexual health class, I never would have thought that I would be in my teacher's place. Now, whenever a student asks me'Can I make an appointment in the health center right now?" with a look of determination and independence, I know I chose the right role as a health educator serving the Chicago community.
This post was written by CHC member 
When teaching with the three other Erie Family Health Center CHC AmeriCorps members, we incorporate more than just basic facts into our classes. We teach essential male and female reproductive anatomy and we offer comprehensive information on abstinence, contraception, and STIs. One of my favorite activities is during our'Healthy Relationships" topic. We help the students realize, without forcing it on them, that each student has their own unique morals and beliefs that are crucially important when it comes to choosing a partner. This gives them liberation from social norms which many young people feel pressured by.