News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
World News
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Classifieds
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
Counselors dispel rumors
By Amanda Degen
Published:
Monday, February 17, 2003
A panel of counselors addressed questions about love and sexuality Wednesday night during Loveline, giving students the chance to calm their fears about relationships and alcohol.
Promoted through Student Health Services, Loveline is an annual presentation held during Sexual Responsibility week in efforts to better inform the student populace.
Miller Center Auditorium was quite full, partially due to a majority of the men's hockey team being present.
The program opened with a brief comedic sketch about the lack of knowledge most children have about sexuality, and what their parents are afraid to tell them.
The five panelists then sat down and took turns answering anonymous questions relating to sex, drugs and safety. The panel was composed of Student Health Services counselors John Ulven, Lee LaDue, Sheri Atkinson, Joanne Kane and Icephine Johnson.
Important questions were raised by the students, such as: Is it true that condoms are only used by sailors? My boyfriend cheated on me when he was drunk, but says he can't remember, should I believe him? Why am I a virgin? Am I an alcoholic if I try to catch a buzz on a Tuesday night? The panel addressed issues pertaining to Ecstacy, alcohol addiction and depression, as well as homosexuality and STD's.
Students turned in questions by writing them down on a flyer, and then they were anonymously given to the panelists up front to read and reply to.
Panelists answered as many questions as they could in the span of an hour. Many recurring themes came up, such as communication and responsibility.
"The most important organ is the brain," Ulven, a local student therapist said.
Near the end of the program, one of the counselors demonstrated how to properly apply a condom, as some students appeared unsure.
"Ejaculate comes out going 40 mph, so if you don't know how to put one on, you're in serious trouble," Johnson said.
They also noted the importance of masturbation to student awareness and well-being.
"You have to learn to touch yourself in order to understand your own sexuality," La Due said. "Just wait until you get back to your homes to do it."
The night ended with a drawing, and many prizes were handed out, such as SCSU clothing, gift certificates and personal massagers.
Student health services noted that sex kits and condoms are available for purchase at their center in Hill-Case Hall, costing two dollars per dozen condoms. Student Health Services also provides birth control, as well as anonymous HIV and STD testing to students.
"I think we dispelled a lot of myths here tonight," said Troy Shafer, one of the organizers of Loveline.
"There was a lot of communication and miscommunication going on out there, and a lot of students weren't getting enough facts. Most of the questions are serious, and focus on informational things. Only a very small amount are silly or humorous questions."
But as Loveline pointed out on their flyers, there are no dumb questions.
Although Loveline in the past would frequent the dorms a few times a week, combining the event into one night proved most effective for Student Health Services.
"We do classrooms by request," Shafer said.
"The hardest thing is just getting people together."
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
