By Sadie Whitelocks PUBLISHED: 11:01 EST, 25 June 2013 | UPDATED: 14:24 EST, 25 June 2013 A teenager has opened up about the rejection and stigma she faced after being diagnosed with HIV in sixth grade, aged 12. Paige Rawl, 18, from Indianapolis, Indiana, told the indystar.com that she confided in a best friend about her situation but two weeks later the news had spread around school. As a result she was subjected to cruel taunts, and even her soccer coach crudely joked that she would be able to score more goals on the pitch because the opposition would be 'afraid' to touch her.
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Paige Rawl from Indianapolis, Indiana, contracted the virus from her mother and tested positive aged 12
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The young HIV and AIDS activist, who is set to start university this fall, has traveled around the country sharing her knowledge with teens and adults
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people, "@placeholder does not define who I am,"' she said.