Washington DC AIDS Walk



October 1997:
My first time at the DC AIDS Walk, I participated as a walker. After the close to 10 miles, I was absolutely exhausted, but felt incredibly good for having done just a little to help out. The year after, my friends and I decided to participate as volunteers. We were going to be corner ‘guards’ and our jobs were to clap and cheer along the walkers while still watching the traffic lights and making sure the walkers were safe. Just before we were to begin, they needed extra help, and divided us up differently. I was separated from my two friends, and placed with three total strangers almost 5 years older than me (and during high school, that’s traumatic). After the initial introductions, we got to be great friends, though I was still the ‘little one’. We shared stories, reasons for being there, and one guy even brought a boom box to entertain the walkers. We had a wonderful day, and I grew up quite a bit that afternoon. In the years past, I’ve volunteered or raised money around my dorm to send in for the walk. It’s a commitment I believe I will hold the rest of my life.