Myths continue in sex education
by Alida Stokman, reporter

    Although sex is a subject people deal with everyday, teachings of sexuality have been restricted throughout the centuries, a counselor and psychology teacher on NW Campus believes.

   America is barely beginning to accept that sex is a topic people must discuss, Dr. Terry Collett said.

   Old folk tales and myths were created due to the restrictions on what people could learn about sexuality.

   Children were taught that sex was bad and needed to refrain from it until they were married, Collet said.

   Myths such as going deaf and partners getting stuck together after intercourse were used as scare tactics.

   Children became adults and passed on these myths to their children.

   Without education, these myths would have lasted and we would have continued to learn them.

   American society is becoming more aware of the dangers of unprotected sex, and the consequences of not knowing the truth about sex.

   Courses such as the one Collet teaches on the NW Campus provide students an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of human sexuality.

   “From this course, I learned different variations of sexual needs that will help me in the near future,” Kyle Jilby, student in Collet’s course, said.

   Collet’s course examines the many faces of sexuality. She emphasizes personal understanding, acceptance of each individual’s sexuality and the value system.

   “Dr. Collet does not sugarcoat anything. She tells you how it is … straight facts that you can actually use. She helps you understand that everyone is different and you can get through anything,” Lucinda Migot, another student, said.

   Sex is not the only topic discussed in the course.

   “I learned how to prepare for, initiate and maintain a healthy balanced relationship with a woman,” student Mike Burns said.

   Throughout the course, Collet teaches topics such as sexual disorders, communication skills, argument-solving methods, different stages of love and much more.

   Student Krissie Day said Collet keeps things interesting by showing videos and having speakers to emphasize the material.

   “I had heard so much about the class that I had to take it. You learn so much more than you would enrolled in a boring textbook psychology class,” she said.

   Human sexuality (PSYC 2306) is offered only on the NW Campus. Anyone wanting to sign up should do so early because classes fill fast.