On June 19, 2007 David Robertson got a call that would forever alter his life.
Robertson, in college at the time, was being tested to diagnose a lump on his neck that was thought to only be an infection.
What was assumed to be a minor issue suddenly became serious.
That day, he was diagnosed with HIV. He contacted it from a friend who was under the impression he could not infect anyone else because he was on medication to treat it.
Robertson never thought this would happen to him. He was living in a nice apartment, had a great job and was living a great life. He also had the mentality that hook-ups with people he thought were good friends could never hurt him.
He contacted HIV from a friend who thought it couldn’t be transferred because that person was taking medication.
This wasn’t the first time Robertson’s family had been through such unexpected news. His brother was diagnosed with AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis when he was a sophomore in college. Although not diagnosed at the time, Robertson said he was horribly affected by his brother’s diagnosis.
Shortly after being diagnosed, Robertson quit his job and became an advocate for HIV. When he speaks, it’s not his goal to throw out statistics to students.
“My hope is to tell you how HIV, AIDS, STD’s and STI’s are alive on campus,” Robertson said on Oct. 21 in the Chapel.
Junior D.J. Grayson, who was the main coordinator for this event, brought Robertson to OU. He has known Robertson for two years through meeting him at a church event.
Grayson believes this issue is important and highlights a diverse issue for Ottawa University.
“We need more diverse things on campus,” he said. “More things referring to real life.”
He thought the crowd would accept Robertson’s testimony and benefit from it. He added that it is especially useful information to hear for one sole purpose – to save a life.
Junior Kandi Tyner was compelled to get tested for HIV after hearing this presentation. She enjoyed the focus on diversity and agrees with Robertson’s message.
“I learned (these topics are) a lot more serious,” she said. “He did amazing and I thought he was great.”
To Robertson, HIV doesn’t mean Human Immunodeficiency Virus; it means “Helping Innocent Vessels.”
Robertson ads he does not regret nor would he change his diagnosis. He now has the power to empower others to get tested.