It’s easy enough to talk about after a few drinks, yet ironically enough therein lays the problem.
For some the issue of drinking, in our case during college, can bring out the worst. It’s that fact that we don’t speak of, collectively, but I know gets thought about by the ones doing the deed.
Anything from social drinking to hereditary sources, you’ll find in college. You’ll see the late-teen to early twenty-something; trying to impress his fraternity or friends. You’ll see the late-teen to early twenty-something girl doing the same.
So too is the older collegiate, the kid that sits beside you in Chemistry, it’s everywhere.
It’s an all-too-known fact that people drink. Most have the control to do it as a social medium, yet there are many…MANY, that feel it’s as inherent a requirement as eating, breathing, or studying.
It’s such a commonplace that it’s not seriously thought about by most. It’s laughable for God’s sake; any “college” movie implores drinking as an expectation and responsibility. We all laugh at the stereotype, yet we play the game all the time.
Have you been to a party? I’m not ragging on the Greeks, or anyone else here…how about just “hanging” out with friends? You’ll find that in a lot of cases, drinking is a big part.
We’re not talking the movie example of just a couple drinks over good conversation, the idea is “I’m going to have fun, I’m going to impress my friends, I’m stressed about classes, and BY GOD, I’m going to get a little buzzed.”
It’s never that easy though, is it? I know not all you out there drink, but I bet a lot of you have seen someone that does.
It’ll make you think, won’t it? It’s embarrassing for the person (whether at the time they realize it or not) and it’s embarrassing that you’re seeing it.
You’ll swear that you will never do the same, yet at the next apex of stress and fatigue you’ll do it.
I know this doesn’t express everyone, nor should it. Along that line, yes, this article comes from experience. I was so worried about being the “cool guy” when I first made it to Commerce after the Navy that I made it a point to hang our wherever and with whoever seemed to be “it” that I’ve made enough regrettable memories to last a lifetime.
Whose fault is that? Mine, of course, but laugh if you will, twenty years of pop-culture references and bad memories made for bad decision-making.
I’m not trying to be sentimental, nor am I being anti-alcohol, but guys…I see it.
I see “it” as a student, I see it as a 25 year old, I see it as a person who has been through things that we all go through (broken hearts, death, desire, stress, family problems, etc.) and I’ve been around (and talked to) enough people to know I’m not alone.
Drinking (legally, of course) in college is okay, just as it should be with any other era of your life. Problems arise (as they always will) when people (you, me, whoever) feel the need to do so is to impress people, make bad thoughts go away, or prove something to yourself that you will realize isn’t important.
I know an article in the school paper won’t change who you are, but if it makes you stop for a second and think of where you lay on the subject, then I am thankful.
As with anything in life, the decisions you make can impact you forever. Along those lines remember to be true to yourself first and last (cheesy I know, but true). If you’re over twenty one and feel like a beer, have at it, but never think that you have to for other people’s sake.
At the end of the day, it’s not what your friends-Brothers-Sisters-or peers see you as; it’s who YOU know yourself to be.
Be strong, and be proud. I know it can be hard with the expectations you feel from others, but at the end of the day the only reflection you’ll see in the mirror is yours.