Powder Springs, Georgia
Positive since 1995

My name is Shaquin, but I prefer James. I was born with HIV on November 1, 1995. I wasn’t told I was HIV positive until I was 13. It’s been five years since then, and I’m still having trouble accepting the facts.

I have friends who have gone through this, but I recently made a new female friend. I read her story on Facebook and I liked it. The simple fact that we are now friends on Facebook really touched me, because I now have a friend to talk to when I can’t get in touch with my other friends. Byanca Parker is my newfound friend.

What three adjectives best describe you?
Determined, outgoing, passionate

What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is getting my high school diploma and pursuing life as an adult.

What is your greatest regret?
Taking life for granted with the virus

What keeps you up at night?
Will they ever come out with a cure or a vaccine?

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?
I would change my medication.

What is the best advice you ever received?
Live life every day as if it is your last.

What person(s) in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?
My doctor, Ashley Boylan, and my friend Byanca Parker

What drives you to do what you do?
The fact that life is short

What is your motto?
“Do you” no matter what others say.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?
My bible; I live for God. Plus, this life isn’t really mine, it’s his.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?
A white tiger. I’ve loved tigers since I was a boy.