Beware of friends bearing gifts.

Danielle Schenone, a senior biology major, talks to a freshman class about sexually transmitted infections . photo by taken Kristin Sotak

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y.–St. Bonaventure University freshmen fill the room for their University 101 class, a first semester course to transition students from high school to college life. On the white projector screen blanketing the blackboard, a YouTube video plays.

She sits with her ponytail high atop her head. Her anonymous silhouette tells her story to the class.

During her year-long relationship with her boyfriend in high school, the topic of having sex came up in conversation. While she would not be his first, he would be hers.

Avoiding the awkwardness of asking her boyfriend if he had gotten tested for sexually transmitted infections, she made the worst decision of her life. She trusted him.

And they had sex without a condom. She thought she had nothing to worry about.

Getting a D isn’t all that bad…

My black patent leather flats click quickly behind the physician, trying to keep up with her pace. Doreen DeGraaff, a

 

Vitamin D supplements . photo taken by me

 

doctor of medicine in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), glides from one patient room to the next in her office in Livingston, New Jersey.

This particular Monday in August, she endlessly examined more than fifty women, each of which she knew on a personal basis.

After meeting with each patient, she updates each file. Any new medications? How’s your son? Isn’t Argentina beautiful? Have you gone for a colonoscopy yet? Do you take vitamin D tablets?

The last question creates a pause in the conversation. DeGraaff listens for an answer as she does with her patients during every appointment.

Don’t hide it! Everyone’s obsessed with something.

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y.—Buzz. Buzz. The front screen of a ­­­red LG cell phone lights up, waking up its owner, Divya Kurian. She reaches for the noisy gadget. Her roommate across the room in her fourth-floor Devereux Hall dorm at St. Bonaventure University stays asleep.

She presses “View Now.” A text from a friend.

Kurian dreads waking up at 3 a.m. and adjusting to the bright background light of the phone. Halfhearted but determined, she says she reads the text message, throws her phone back on her dresser and goes back to sleep.

The sophomore biology major says she cannot leave an unopened text message on her phone. She needs to know who sent her a message and about what.

Bonaventure students know how to handle their sadness. Some tips to follow

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y.—Phone in her hand and dorm key on a wristband, Sinead Coleman runs toward the Allegheny

Sinead Coleman . photo taken by me . what Coleman uses to keep her grip: http://www.yaktrax.com/products.aspx

River Valley Trail on the west side of St. Bonaventure University by the tennis courts.

Bundled in a hoodie, yoga pants, ear warmers and gloves, her snow-treaded running sneakers grip the path.

No friend by her side, no headphones blasting music, Coleman, 19, says she listens to her breathing.

She uses a yoga technique—big breath in, very slow breath out—says the sophomore biology major.

One of Coleman’s best friends told her that she would move away from home soon.

With tears held up inside, Coleman runs.

Housekeepers have yet to replace a soap dispenser on campus

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y.—Vineeth Sankoorikal walks around the white-walled corner to the bathroom closest to his dorm room in Devereux Hall at St. Bonaventure University. After doing his business, Sankoorikal, 20, says he turns the gold-colored knob of the green bathroom door and leaves without washing his hands.

Gross, some might think.