A nondrinking student's perspective
By Patrick Hunter
Last Updated:10:41 AM EST 10/27/09 Section: Viewpoint
Let me start off this editorial by clearing the air about something. I have not consumed alcohol and will never do so.
Now that that's out of the way, I can get on with my actual editorial. Everyone's definition of "fun" is different. Some consider school to be fun; others consider dancing to be fun. My definition of "fun," however, does not include the word "alcohol."
I'm not interested in going to a party where alcohol is served, so I stay away from them. I don't care to know what parties people go to, or how much they drank, or, for that matter, WHAT they drank.
And yet, almost everyone I know has gone/participated in one of these parties. And I stay on campus trying to get caught up on homework or study for a test, etc. I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that, even though I won't drink alcohol, I feel like I'm part of a minority. I don't want to go to a college party and get wasted. Sadly, some students do come to college just for the party scene. I, on the other hand, came to school for a better education.
I'm sure that I can't POSSIBLY be the only one on the ENTIRE campus who feels this way. Surely, someone reading this must have the same thought. I know a few people on campus who share my opinion, but, for some reason, I still feel like I'm part of a minority.
Now, I'm not saying that we should act like it's the 1800s, and start a new Temperance movement. Nor am I suggesting that we need to re-enact the 18th Amendment.
I guess that I've never really understood the concept of getting so drunk that I would wake up and not be able to remember what is was that I did the previous night.
Instead, I either stay focused on schoolwork, or I have some extracurricular activities to attend. I love going to meetings, but I'm getting off topic. My point is that I have different priorities than others.
Some people will bring up the Bible when it comes to this situation. However, I know that there's nothing in the Bible saying that this is wrong. But for me, personally, that little voice in the back of my head warns me that drinking is morally wrong.
I'll never forget the time spent in high school health class talking about the number one abused substance: alcohol. Originally, I thought that it was a drug, but no. It is alcohol. The teacher would constantly talk about the dangers of binge drinking: liver problems, brain/memory problems, etc.
I shouldn't have to change myself just to do things that are "popular." If that was the case, then can you imagine that everyone would be wearing only "popular" things?
I remain steadfast in my decision. I will not, have not, and have no future plans to consume alcohol.
pjh00034@sjfc.edu
Now that that's out of the way, I can get on with my actual editorial. Everyone's definition of "fun" is different. Some consider school to be fun; others consider dancing to be fun. My definition of "fun," however, does not include the word "alcohol."
I'm not interested in going to a party where alcohol is served, so I stay away from them. I don't care to know what parties people go to, or how much they drank, or, for that matter, WHAT they drank.
And yet, almost everyone I know has gone/participated in one of these parties. And I stay on campus trying to get caught up on homework or study for a test, etc. I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that, even though I won't drink alcohol, I feel like I'm part of a minority. I don't want to go to a college party and get wasted. Sadly, some students do come to college just for the party scene. I, on the other hand, came to school for a better education.
I'm sure that I can't POSSIBLY be the only one on the ENTIRE campus who feels this way. Surely, someone reading this must have the same thought. I know a few people on campus who share my opinion, but, for some reason, I still feel like I'm part of a minority.
Now, I'm not saying that we should act like it's the 1800s, and start a new Temperance movement. Nor am I suggesting that we need to re-enact the 18th Amendment.
I guess that I've never really understood the concept of getting so drunk that I would wake up and not be able to remember what is was that I did the previous night.
Instead, I either stay focused on schoolwork, or I have some extracurricular activities to attend. I love going to meetings, but I'm getting off topic. My point is that I have different priorities than others.
Some people will bring up the Bible when it comes to this situation. However, I know that there's nothing in the Bible saying that this is wrong. But for me, personally, that little voice in the back of my head warns me that drinking is morally wrong.
I'll never forget the time spent in high school health class talking about the number one abused substance: alcohol. Originally, I thought that it was a drug, but no. It is alcohol. The teacher would constantly talk about the dangers of binge drinking: liver problems, brain/memory problems, etc.
I shouldn't have to change myself just to do things that are "popular." If that was the case, then can you imagine that everyone would be wearing only "popular" things?
I remain steadfast in my decision. I will not, have not, and have no future plans to consume alcohol.
pjh00034@sjfc.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Donna Donahue
posted 10/29/09 @ 12:40 PM EST
Patrick,
I love it and am very proud of you for sharing your view with others. It is too bad that more people don't speak up against the use of alcohol. (Continued…)
Anon
posted 11/06/09 @ 8:48 PM EST
No fun, college parties are a big part of your post-secondary experience.
Common Sense
posted 11/09/09 @ 10:24 AM EST
Pat,
I completely respect your decision but I think your "education" about has acohol has really comprised of scaring you and not actually telling you about alcohol. (Continued…)
Alex
posted 11/20/09 @ 5:55 AM EST
My respect to the one who can say "NO" to alcohol aloud and follow his own words!
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