On the morning of Sunday, Jan. 24, one light post, which once lit the walk from campus to Hodgins Retreat, rested in the dirt next to the hole it was ripped from the night before. Another light post, closer to campus, stood crooked after being pulled only partway out the ground.The damage was a result of irresponsible behavior, and it came after an apartment party in Hodgins. Because of the reckless behavior, all 36 residents of the apartment building received a 25-dollar fine.

The party hosts had further concerns. After the party, the roommates found a cabinet door torn from the laundry closet, and one of their toilets broken.

Some students/party animals have been inconsiderate of the costs to which hosts of parties pay to fix damages, clean messes and replace missing belongings. One student’s irresponsibility in a night of partying is another student’s time and money.

Recently, four seniors hosted a party in an off-campus house. During the duration of the night, a side mirror on one host’s car got smashed, and an iPod was stolen from a room in the house. Because of these acts, the group decided against hosting another party this year.

There have been many incidents at off-campus and on-campus apartments and houses that have made students reluctant to host more parties.

Residents of another off-campus house decided against having a party this upcoming weekend because of the high damage expenses from previous parties. In a pair of parties they had earlier this year, their sink was broken and jewelry was stolen.

Realistically, accidents happen, and party hosts understand the high probability of messes and damages occurring. But it’s the blatant disregard that influence students to not have parties.

Students at Guilford tend to take house/apartment parties for granted. On a weekend night, students jump from party to party.

What some students don’t understand is that if houses and apartments continue to be trashed, and if valuables continue to be stolen, then no Guilford students will want to host parties. Guilford, as we know it, will no longer have nightlife.

College is a time and place where students can and will drink and have fun, but it’s also a time when young adults should mature. Prove to yourself and to your peers that you are in fact, responsible, and on your way in becoming an adult. Responsibility and consideration on a night of drinking is beneficial to the entire Guilford community.