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1 2 3 All Fall DownApr 24 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Drinking may be fun...that is until you get liver cancer, a nasty STD, or kicked out of school. Drinking and college go hand-in-hand. Or do they? I am a college senior and have attended a total of four major universities in the past few years (decisiveness is not one of my strengths obviously) and I have seen alcohol facilitate some pretty terrible situations. I have also seen some of my peers drink responsibly. Where does the line get drawn? When does a drinking “hobby” morph into a drinking “problem?” Personally, I rarely drink, which makes me a virtual pariah among some of my peers, but so be it. I am over 21 and made a conscious decision to not drink (I will admit to an occasional glass of wine with dinner though) and have stuck to my guns about this. And no, I am not a loser or social recluse, and yes, I do know how to have a good time. A common misconception about “dry” college students is that we are on some moral brigade and refuse participate in any of the fun college activities. Wrong again; I not only participate, but I remember them the next day. Bonus point for Smarty Spice! Why don’t I indulge in the lovely art of funneling beer or taking my weight in Jell-o shots? Funny you should ask, I happen to have a list handy…. -Contrary to what some of my peers seem to think, college is a place to learn, to branch out, and to challenge your views and ideas. I just have a hard time believing that you can even THINK (let alone absorb anything worthwhile) when you are drunk, hung over, or too tired from last night’s beer guzzling party to even make it to class. I hear people at all hours screaming and acting like fools during the week and wonder how they can possibly function, let alone thrive, when they are out drinking that late. Why come to college under the premise of learning and maturing when all you want to do is get drunk and party? It’s a waste of your time and a great distraction to those of us who are actually here for the aforementioned reasons. -It’s a waste of money. Not only is it a waste of your tuition (see #1), but drinking is an expensive hobby! Drinks at clubs/bars are usually $5-6 dollars EACH. Beer by the case or keg is also expensive. It’s just a waste, no ifs ands or buts. -It can be dangerous, and sometimes even deadly. My sister went to school with a boy who was funneling beer at a party (very dangerous as you get drunk incredibly quickly). Everyone else was funneling beer too. The boy (we shall call him Bob) passed out and vomited and aspirated the vomit into his lungs. Everyone else was so drunk that they did not notice him choking. Bob died and everyone at that party has to live with that for the rest of their lives. This is obviously the worst-case scenario, but there is also liver cancer/failure, drunk driving accidents, STD’s, unconsciousness, water loss, electrolyte depletion, vitamin deficiency, and cirrhosis of the liver. Why take the chance? Why not have ONE drink and call it a night? -For most college students drinking is illegal. If you are under 21 it is illegal to consume and purchase alcohol (in most states-check your state laws if you wish to know in more detail). I know at my school it is also against school policy, and if they (they meaning the administration) catch you intoxicated and/or consuming alcohol on school grounds and you’re underage, serious consequences can result. Expulsion, suspension, probation (academic and otherwise) are just some of the things that can happen. They may even call Mommy and Daddy, which means big BIG trouble! -Do you like looking dumb and behaving like an out of control toddler? I don’t. And when you get drunk to the point of oblivion, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you don’t look cool and you are NOT funny. -I like being in control of my actions and remembering what happened the next morning. I know many girls (and guys for that matter) who have gotten drunk and woken up in strange beds…with strange men/women in the bed next to them. This is dangerous. College students are usually (unless you are on the 6 year plan…) teens and in their early twenties. Why do something NOW that could possibly ruin the rest of your life? Is one night of “fun” worth it? I am not trying to sound high and mighty. I do believe that adults can drink responsibly and that is totally fine. To each his own. But to my fellow college students who drink some of their best years away, I urge you to consider the potential ramifications of your actions. If you are going to drink, make sure you have a sober designated driver who is willing to look after you. With the current influx of date rape drugs it is even more important that you drink safely. And if you insist on drinking on campus, PLEASE refrain from hollering and screaming at 2 A.M. Some of us have morning classes that we like to be conscious for!  |
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