The practice of celibacy is sometimes seen as a rarity in American society, linked to priests, virgins and those individuals who have had one too many sexual partners in the past.

Although these associations may be true, it seems as though the complexities and benefits of celibacy have been overshadowed by the societal stigma placed on it in an era dominated by overt sexuality and scandals. Still, there are some who, for their own justifications, choose to abstain from sex.

Sophomore psychology major Adrienne Glasgow desires more than casual sex out of her relationships, and plans to remain celibate until she finds a relationship worth taking to the next level.

"I'm tired of giving so much of myself to others and not getting anything in return," Glasgow said. "I want to find someone who has my best interests at heart because I don't want to settle for anything or anyone less than what I deserve."

After ending a seemingly one-sided relationship, Glasgow said she vowed to remain celibate, but broke her vow once in hopes of gaining some personal satisfaction from the situation.

"After I slipped up once, I realized even more that I wanted more out of relationships," she said. "Casual sex is not for me. I'm selective about who I'm with and who I let in my space."

Glasgow has been celibate since November 2007, and is quickly learning about the benefits and hardships of sticking to one's morals.

"I was celibate for two and a half years in high school, but in college, there is so much more temptation," she said. "You're on your own here, with no parents telling you what to do. At Howard, a lot of guys are trying to have sex, because they are outnumbered by girls, and I don't want to send the wrong signals."

Some choose not to be celibate, but to remain careful in their sexual activities.

Riccardo Noel, a junior elementary education major, said, "I'm not celibate because I've been in a relationship for about six months. This is the longest relationship I've had and when I wasn't in a relationship, I may have practiced celibacy, but it definitely wasn't on purpose." He added, "Celibacy is the safest way to protect yourself from STDs and pregnancy. It's difficult to not have sex, and I commend guys that practice celibacy, because you get to know yourself better during that time…unless there is something I need to change about myself, or make a major change in my life one day, then I don't intend on practicing celibacy."

Glasgow said, "If I hang out with a guy now, I feel like they expect sex, so I tell them upfront about my celibacy and if they continuously try to have sex with me, then it's done."

Along with setting higher relationship standards, Glasgow took into account STDs and pregnancy in her decision to abstain from sex.

"I have fewer worries now, but celibacy is not for everybody," she said. "It's a personal choice. Not having sex has made me appreciate myself more. I won't be celibate forever, or maybe not even six months from now, but I am celibate today."

The Rev. Donald Welborn of Calvary Baptist Church, views celibacy as a tool for strengthening one's life.

"Any college student practicing abstinence is a strong individual because the temptation is at its peak during this phase in life," Welborn said. "Everyone is young, beautiful, energetic and ready to interact at all times."

Welborn continued, "Abstaining sexually will help all young people, males and females, to find the right mate for them. Not everyone has your best interest in mind, and when you remove sex from the picture, you learn about people on a spiritual level. Once you know someone spiritually, the sex will be better than it could have ever been while only knowing that person physically."

Sophomore sports management major Kara Adams has held onto her virginity, confirming her religious beliefs and personal values of remaining sexually pure until marriage.

"It's not about me waiting until I fall in love with someone, because if that was the case, I would have had sex in high school," Adams said. "I want to wait until the right man puts a ring on my finger. It's rare to find a boy who respects my decision. But when I do, he will be the whole package."

Adams continued, "It is nothing to be ashamed of. People make jokes every now and then and doubt whether I'm really a virgin or not, but my friends support me. You have to be comfortable in your own skin and not be afraid to be different. My grandma always said, 'If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.'"

Remaining celibate in college has not been difficult for Adams, who enjoys the many benefits of her nonsexual lifestyle.

"Not only do I not have to worry about STDs or getting pregnant, I don't have to worry about relationship drama either," she said. "My reputation is never questioned, because I stick to my beliefs. I remember telling my friend recently that I was a virgin and he called me an 'IBM' because they don't make 'em like me anymore, he said. That's a compliment."