At the start of every school year the S.T.A.R.S. peer education programs at UHPP welcome a new group of student educators recruited from local schools. UHPP health educators provide these students with training on how to lead productive discussions around tricky but essential sexual health topics, and that's just where their experiences begin. The S.T.A.R.S. educators go on team-building trips and to conferences, and learn to handle media interviews and speak with community members at outreach events. Most of all, they learn to become reliable and approachable sources of factual information on sexual health issues for friends and classmates in their communities.
Fresh Faces, First Impressions
What made you want to become a sex educator in the S.T.A.R.S. program?
"Cause everyone told me it was a great learning experience. It’s like a pay it forward kind of thing, cause your learn and then teach." Lester, Grade 11 at Hudson High School
"I wanted to further my public speaking skills and gain further knowledge of safer sex." Dylan, Grade 10 at Chatham High School
"I decided to become a peer educator because I know a lot of people who are really uneducated about safe sex, and I want to help to fix that." Isabel, Grade 11 at Taconic Hills High School
What about being a S.T.A.R.S. peer educator are you most looking forward to?
"Taking trips to educate people outside of my little community." Emilie, Grade 12 at Chatham High School
"I’m looking forward to gaining confidence and helping my peers make smart decisions." Chris, Grade 12 at Taconic Hills High School
"Basically making a change, and teaching people to have a voice." Olivia, Grade 10 at Hudson High School
"I’m really looking forward to presenting in my school’s health class!" Isabel
What do you hope to get out of being a S.T.A.R.S. peer educator?
"Getting people to understand their options, and to become motivated about safe sex." Jonathon, Grade 12 at Chatham High School
"I hope to learn more about sex ed, and about influencing my peers in a positive way." Isabel
"Gaining knowledge I can share with my peers and make sure if my friends are having sex they are doing it safely." Dylan
The Voices of Experience
What is your favorite moment from your time as a peer educator?
"Lobbying in Washington DC to learn about women’s health care." Angela, Grade 12 at Hudson High School
"My favorite moment from S.T.A.R.S is staying at silver bay for training with the Albany peers educators." Letycia, Grade 12 at Hudson High School
What are you most looking forward to in your next year as a peer educator?
"What I am looking forward to this year is participating in world AIDS day in Albany. It’s always a great experience meeting new people and being able to present to classes that may not have known all the facts about HIV/AIDS." Letycia
"I’m looking forward to teaching programs in schools and the community." Angela
What would you want next year's peer educators to know about the program?
"That it is a great learning experience and that the best part is the community events." Angela
"What I would want future peers to know is that this is a great experience S.T.A.R.S is and that you meet really great people working here." Letycia
Click here to read statements from out Albany County peer educators.
