Aftershock: Surviving the First Part, Thriving the Next.
by Jarvis McCoy
Being in Aftershock has truly been a blessing. From the beginning of me being diagnosed, I didn’t really know what to do but stay in my bed. It came off as if I was going through a depression. Even though my mother was with me from the start, she was really worried about my future after being diagnosed. After hearing about AOC, my mother demanded I meet with them to discuss some things. I wasn’t too excited about meeting complete strangers especially when involving life changing experiences but I decided to go.
When entering the AOC building, I received a warm Hello from literally every staff member that I came across. I was able to meet and get to know Ms. Kelly, Ms. Pam, Ms. Kim, and Nigel. These 4 each came to me and welcomed me with open arms. All ensured that just because I’m HIV + doesn’t mean that my life is over. After getting educated on AOC, I was introduced to a new group called “Aftershock”. Some key things that I noticed I really needed but couldn’t really get from my family and Friends was Education, Support, and Teamwork. Going to class Every Tuesday and Thursday was the first step of me getting out and not being in my room in bed. Classes didn’t seem like normal school classes. We learned some pretty important facts about finance, careers, and most importantly our health. To be around others who have similar things in common, come and just listen, talk, and sometimes even cry was a true bond we shared. As Students of Aftershock, we had support from our Advisors to come to our Doctor’s Appointments with us. This provided support and a better understanding of our health. We also would take trips to Museums, Nice Restaurants, Parties, this was a way to keep bonding within our group as well as experience new things. We had classes that also helped make resumes to find jobs for us, this was one important factor for the program. Aftershock wanted the students to be able to be independent always. Along the way we never went without. Aftershock didn’t ask for much so we just had to make the steps to making a change
After 9 months of classes, deep talks, crying, laughter, support, the Aftershock program held a graduation ceremony for our family and friends to just come and celebrate our achievements on becoming healthy, employed, and a better version of ourselves despite the status. I can speak for myself when I say “It will work out for my good”. I gained so much support and comfort from this program. Being able to live a healthy life is an amazing feeling. I trusted the process to become a better me. Since the Graduation, I am now able to be more active and not depressed. I am now more educated on my health. I am now an employee of AOC because of the love they gave me when starting as a client. Being in Aftershock opened my eyes to new possibilities and opportunities. I never knew I would be starting a career as a Peer Advocate. Aftershock showed me that giving back to a Community of individuals who may not be accepted by society deserves the same life everyone else does. I’m honored to be a part of that change. I will always thank AOC, and the Aftershock program for everything that was done.
Aftershock: Surviving the first part, thriving the next.