Some of our first thoughts when coming to college are how awesome the parties are going to be and what all shenanigans we can get into without our parents knowing. (Unless that one friend post pictures on social media.) If that is the case, you better forget that weekly allowance they are so generously sending you.

I just want to be a helping hand. No, not a helping hand in a way of showing you where to party or how to get alcohol and drugs, but to guide you to a safer way to have fun. I know that teenagers are going to do what they want to do but just take some friendly tips from a seasoned student. When you are going out and someone offers you drugs/ alcohol this is some stuff that should be in the back of your mind before you reach out with your untrained ways and take it.

1) IS THIS LACED?

Before taking a bag of whatever, or a bag of what you may THINK you know what it is, just ask yourself, "Do I know this person?" "Why is this person handing me free drugs?" Don't just take free drugs because someone said it is okay. You wouldn't think kids do this stuff would you, right?

2) WHAT WOULD MY MOM SAY IN THIS MOMENT?

If you are ever in doubt about what you're about to be doing, just picture your mother standing there off in the distance with that sad mom look that she does. You know the one I am talking about. You might change your mind about that decision.

3) WILL THIS EFFECT MY FUTURE?

We all just want to fit in when we go off to a different area and are trying to make new friends, but don't do something you aren't comfortable with just to impress a new group of people. You can go from that brilliant straight A student whose parents have collected many bumper stickers for, for their minivan, to that C's get degrees student. Don't be that C's get degrees student Don't be like me.

Just think before you act. It's no joke to do these things as freely as you want. Your friends may be doing them, but things can escalate fast and people seriously die from these mistakes all the time. I'm not saying don't go out and not have fun. I'm saying watch yourself, take your time, don't feel the pressure to fit in. It's better to stand out in other ways! :)