letter to my human sexuality lecturer

Dear madam,

The human sexuality class easily passes as the most enjoyable class I have had thus far in USIU. Not only did I get to meet new interesting people but I learnt a lot too. Matters of sexuality are often hushed down in our society and one rarely comes along a platform such as this class where the issues are discussed openly and without prejudice.

Perhaps the part I enjoyed the most was the class discussions. I am an outspoken person myself and I love to hear what people have to say about different things. In all the classes the various discussions were both fun and very informative. It was amazing listening to different people talk about their experiences, beliefs, prejudices and general views on matters regarding sex and life as a whole. There were instances too that provided good laughs and this was quite enjoyable.

As far as learning goes, I could say the class definitely cleared up a lot of things. While I had earlier studied the female and male anatomy, the class ventured into the same deeper in a way that I doubt I would have experienced anywhere else. I learnt more about the menstrual cycle, pregnancies and a lot of issues concerning the same were de-mystified.

The bit on sexually transmitted infections and diseases also made quite an impression on me. While the videos were horrendous and quite disturbing, the information will go a long way in ensuring that I practice more caution with my sexuality. The fact that the symptoms and causes were discussed on length provides me and hopefully the others to detect and hopefully prevent and stop STD’S.

However, of all the lessons and topics we have discussed in the class and researched on, two have made the most impact on me:

·         Homophobia

·         Abortion

Homophobia

My term paper was on homophobia and I researched heavily and widely on the topic. We live In a society where people ignorantly look down or discriminate against things we do not understand or agree with. Before my research I had a quite a bad attitude towards homosexuals and those with a leaning to them but after my research I must say I have had a change of heart.

I got a chance to understand the matter somewhat deeper and while I might not fully comprehend the matter, I have an easier stand and appreciate the fact that people generally have the will to choose their preference on these matters. Am happy to say that with the information I obtained I have successfully been able to change the minds of most of my close friends who were homophobic before. Am still hoping to change the ones of those who remain unmoved.

Abortion

This was perhaps the most emotional discussion for me and most of the class. I was surprised at how ignorant I was on the methods and consequences of abortion.  I have always been pro-abortion and I was ashamed to note how I’d carelessly made a staunch conclusion on such a grave matter that I knew so little about and had never bothered to find out more about.

About this time last year a friend of mine found out she was pregnant and her boyfriend’s first reaction was to deny it and abandoned her for the time being. Although I did not pressure her to abort, I might have influenced her decision to some level and when she asked for financial support for the abortion, I gladly paid for it.

She got through it quite fine and painlessly but I was later infuriated when she got back together with her boyfriend. I did not know it then but she exhibited some of the symptoms of post abortion stress to the extent of suicidal tendencies.

If I had known what I know now I would definitely have handled the situation differently. Unfortunately I am no longer in contact with the friend but I do hope that she will be okay.

I had mixed reactions to the nice lady Aketch Aimba’s (I hope I have her name right) presentation. As she told us her story I couldn’t help but get angry at some of the issues like how she could repeat the same mistake again after the first painful encounter. The matter stayed in my mind for a while and  I thought about it on length for a few days after the class.

Its quite angering how religion and old family and society values drive people to the extreme.  At the end of the day I figured it wasn’t quite her fault and would she have been provided with information that we have now she perhaps wouldn’t have resulted to what she did then.

Abortion is quite a delicate matter and while I am still pro-abortion in some cases I must say that my understanding of the matter has widely been challenged and in some instances fulfilled in this class.

I must commend you madam for your teaching methods. You exhibited an astounding mastery of the subjects and matters of discussion while at the same time being fun and accommodating of our different and sometimes absurd opinions, thoughts and questions. It was humbling that you were willing to share so much of yourself with us. I was amazed by your ability to stick to your values and choices so divinely and for such a long time.

I sincerely do hope that you find what you are looking for and that you continue to be an inspiration to other like-minded ladies and young people.

My experience in this class has been one that will stay with me for quite a long time to come and I want to say…thank you.

also i hope i get an A heheheh

eugene