Though this is my last column, I have so many more opinions to share with the wonderful students at Sacramento State. Readers may know I can?t stand men who don?t call, Valentine?s Day, the contagious spring fever, personal dance space, being hunted in the parking lot, portfolio deadlines and did I mention slow walkers? Everyone knows my pet peeves, but what about my likes?

I like the University, my sorority that contributed nearly $10,000 to the Children?s Center from the teeter totter-a-thon this month and being named Lambda Chi sweetheart. I also like my professors, who read my column opined about it in class, the cranberry scones at the Round House, my picture in the paper next to this column and, of course, my advice column with features writer Jason Okamoto. Am I qualified to give advice? Well, I enjoy giving it, so if you want some just ask and, as my roommates know, you don?t always have to ask. I also like the idea that I will be graduating. However, those of you who will be back at Sac State in the fall should take advantage of your upcoming summer break.

One last piece of advice: For college students, going out and having fun is part of every college summer, or at least it should be. Many students work, but without homework to worry about, there is more time for fun. One issue I want to stress about this so-called college fun is the topic of casual sex. We are all adults and can make our own decisions, but please make the right decision in that moment of passion and practice safe sex. There is absolutely nothing wrong in wanting to have a lot of sex or have sex with multiple partners. It?s just important that you do it safely these days. Here are some facts to think about before the next time you get it on: 45 million Americans carry genital herpes, 65,000 have gonorrhea, about 20 million people have genital warts and four million have Chlamydia.

These staggering statistics make me think that the safest sex is to masturbate or to abstain from sex. Sac State students needn?t abstain altogether, but remember these statistics the next time you considerhaving unsafe sex. Condoms are the most popular form of safe sex, but for a barrier to work, it must be used correctly from start to finish. Use only latex condoms. No other substance will provide protection against HIV and other viruses. Many college students are on a budget, but never reuse a condom and avoid using them after expiration dates. And remember, there are free condoms at the Health Center.

For those men who do not like condoms, putting a drop of lubricant inside the tip of a condom can enhance sensation for the wearer. Women, you too have the right to be in charge of protecting your sexual health; use the female condom. It is a soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath that lines the vagina. When used correctly, it has a 95 percent effectiveness rate. Well, there you have it, some basic safe sex guidelines for a safe summer.

Stay safe. E-mail Crystal Clark at [email protected].