Aundaray Guess, Artist and Writer, on Graduating from NYU as an Adult with HIV

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http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/05/aundaray_guess.php




Twenty-five years ago, Aundaray Guess started college at the age of 19. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with HIV and dropped out of school. Guess, who is from Minneapolis, then got kicked out of his house when his mom found out about his status and sexuality.
For months, he slept in his car and applied for job after job until he was hired by a community theater. It was there that Guess began writing plays and launched Flayva Cabaret, a company focused on LGBT artists of color. About 11 years ago, Guess decided to move to New York for a life change. But it wasn't until a chance encounter at a drug store that he also decided to return to school and complete his degree.

Guess graduated from New York University with a political science degree on Monday, and received extensive academic accolades. The Voice caught up with him to talk about the challenges of going to school as an adult with HIV.

Village Voice: Congrats on graduating! Tell us: What made you return to the classroom?

Aundaray Guess: I went back to school about five years ago. The reason it took me so long was I started to go part time. Originally, I went to college right after I got out of high school in 1985, but back then there was a lot of things going against me.

[William769]

1. Very touching.

[closeupready]

2. Inspiring.

K&R