No matter which school you go to, there are always going to be people on campus who are constantly looking for a good time. To fill this void, these students often turn to alcohol and drugs. But is it okay to be so casual about something that, if done in excess, could severely damage your body, or even kill you? I’m going to say “no” to this one.
Sure, it is college and you should enjoy your time here to the fullest extent. Just be smart about it. All I’m saying is that there are other ways to have a good time where booze and drugs don’t play a role.
I’m not saying “don’t drink!” It’s your life; do what you want. I will, however, make mention of the fact that if you’re under 21, it’s illegal! Obviously, this warning is not going to stop underage drinkers, or make people who are of age drink less, but it should be taken into account.
Underage drinking is not at the top of the concern list, though. We should be most worried about the students who drive to campus to party, then drive back home. This has bad news written all over it. Would you want to get pulled over on West Friendly Avenue, get charged with DUI, and wind up sitting behind bars for the evening?
Another angle that should be considered is the fact that Guilford is based on Quaker beliefs. Quakers believe that one’s ultimate truth lies within and that your body should be considered a temple. Anything that gets in the way of this truth should be let go.
Max Carter, Campus Ministry Coordinator, said, “If these are the ‘best years of your life,’ you should remember them.” Carter has never taken a sip of alcohol or done any drugs in his entire life. He offers that coffee and tea can serve just as well as alcohol, while a walk in the woods, or stopping by someone’s room is a better alternative to drugs.
Carter continued, “‘It’s college!’ is a poor excuse … cultural BS. Don’t let culture dictate what is right and wrong in your life.”
Amen.
I understood and agreed with everything Max had to say in our interview, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty while we talked.
I’m sure there are some of you reading this article who are saying “Didn’t I see Warren at that party last weekend? Wasn’t he drinking?” Yeah, I was probably there, and yeah, I was probably drinking.
Alcohol and drugs may be somewhat taboo, but they are a social lubricant. There aren’t a lot of things that can make a situation more casual like one or two or ten Budweiser’s.
It’s this lax attitude, though, that makes the whole situation a problem. My first year, I got in trouble with the judicial board because I was having too much fun.
Of course, I had to talk to the campus administrators, pay fines and go through probation, not to mention the speeches from my parents. It really was not fun at all, and I feel sorry for those who have also gone through it. As a result of my unfortunate episode, I learned a valuable lesson: be responsible.
I know for a fact that I won’t stop partying in college. It is a nice way to reward yourself after a rigorous week in class. But I do know that I won’t be stupid about it. Hopefully, those who read this will heed my advice. Waking up with a hangover in your own bed is a lot nicer than waking up in jail or the emergency room, but that’s just my opinion.
So, do what you want, but remember that the consequences of your actions lie in your hands. On that note, go have a good time.