Foothill College held a Fashion and Talent show on Feb. 9 to showcase the genius and diversity of various performers, giving them an opportunity to express through their talent what HIV and AIDS meant to them.

The Campus Center Dining Room turned to a veritable catwalk. Red condoms covered the runway leading to a table of contraception devices and pamphlets on sexually transmitted diseases. Heading the table were Foothill Health Services members willing to assist with questions concerning sex. 

“It’s really a different world from when I was a kid. Back in the day, we’d never even heard of condoms,” said Kathleen Hagiwara from Foothill Health Services. “Protecting yourself now from sexually transmitted diseases is so easy. It’s important to stay aware and informed.”

The Fashion and Talent Show was co-sponsored by the Foothill Bookstore and offered two gift certificates to the top two performers, musician Katara Holiday and medical sciences major Mitchell Allen.

This event was informative to all and personal to many. Jon Yu Hong, one of the performers and a student at Foothill, decided to be a part of the event through the support of his friends and inspiration through his mom. 

“I was definitely nervous about getting on stage, but this experience was … rewarding. I have a lot of respect for life. I want as many people to be informed and protected as possible,” said Hong.

The event fostered a collaboration to participate in a progressive effort to educate about HIV and AIDS. 

“Historically, we always have an event that informs students about the realities of life. This event was particularly unique because it’s from the student’s point of view. This event is education but also a great kick off to Black History Month,” said Daphne Small, Director of Student Activities.