I go on snapchat almost every day. Every time, there are at least two people every night who are attending college and deciding to drink. College is a time where you can let loose and have fun, but I fear many fall into the pressure of their peers and decide to start drinking in college even if they never have before. Just because you are in college does not give you an excuse to start drinking or doing drugs. Many need to stay true to themselves and will find their best friends for life through being who they truly are, rather than the image of them when they're drunk.
Personally, I am not a big drinker. I've learned through simple health classes and my loving parents what alcohol does to your body. This does not mean if you were to hang out with me, I'd prevent you from drinking. If you enjoy the pastime, then by all means do what makes you happy. I would just rather enjoy life through the simple moments sober than the extreme ones drunk.
Back to the topic of college parties. I don't fully understand the hype of them. Okay; you invite a lot of people over to your room, have a lot of alcohol, maybe meet a guy or two and get their numbers, go to sleep, and wake up the next morning with a terrible hangover. I guess I can see the fun in it where you have the temporary high and the funny memories from your friend trying to put her flip flop on but can't seem to put it on right. Sure, I can see why that can be fun for some. But to many of those who feel the need to have these memories in college; why? You chose the college you're going to for the great education and to brag about the great programs. Instead, you would rather pay $50,000 a year (depending on where you go, of course), party, and barely pass all your classes? And run the risk of expulsion? I just don't see the sense in it.
Through the great clubs my school has to offer, I have found the fun I need in my college experience through my group of friends (who would much rather go to a trivia night than a "Thirsty Thursday" party), the many movies nights, and other activities I can remember easily because I was sober. I would rather tell my children about all the times that my friends and I almost peed our pants laughing at something silly rather than barely remember what happened due to the amount of alcohol I had.
So to those who are applying to colleges this year or in the next few years, just keep this in mind; don't attend a college for the great ragers. Go to college to further explore the world in a classroom setting. You don't need to drink to have fun. There is a group out there who will accept you for who you really are and those will be the people by your side forever.
