 By Graham "GSM" Matthews This weekly blog will document my firsthand experiences as a student at Endicott College. Additionally, I will attempt to offer advice to fellow college students or those looking to attend college down the line. Mere hours after writing last week's blog post, I was invited to my first college party. Technically, it was more of the after-party since the actual drinking went down at another dorm, but it is cooler to say that you attended a college party than its after-party, so we'll stick with that. The party was happening in two rooms down from where I was, so it was easily accessible to say the least. One of my roommates was already there, and the other one was still my in room with me. The party was being hosted by a new friend we had made earlier in the week and his two roommates. Since we had nothing else going on, we decided to join in on the fun. The friend had warned us earlier in the day that he would be drinking quite a bit, so I wasn't surprised when we we met up with him that night. He didn't show the obvious alcoholic symptoms, but he was much crazier than usual. Up to this point, we (the student body) had attended countless meetings that discussed the dangers of drinking. I had heard it all before, so I found it be quite annoying, but I understand why the meetings were held. Some kids just don't get it. Drinking in college has become the norm for as long as time itself (okay, maybe not that long, but I think you catch my drift). Upon entering college, most college students think they are obligated to drink in order to fit in with the others, and that couldn't be any farther from the truth. Above all else, though, it's illegal for anyone under the age of 18.
However, most college students couldn't care less that it is against the law. They would rather have a fun time than avoid the risk of getting in trouble. That was the case at the party I went to, where everyone was drunk and my roommate (the one I spent more of my time with) and I were the only sober ones there. As previously stated, my other roommate (the party kid) was already there and looked more out of it than anyone else present at the party. He asked me if I ever drank and I said no. He offered me a drink and asked if I ever wanted to try any, and I responded with a resounding no. You see, I'm straightedge. Of course, CM Punk initially inspired me to go straightedge, but it was a choice I personally wanted to make and wasn't because I wan't to imitate Punk. It wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I knew it was something I wanted to do, as it was that year that I saw a lot of my classmates drinking, smoking and doing drugs. I wanted to live above the influence, and I have been ever since. That isn't stopping just because I'm in college. Do I think being straightedge makes me better than everyone else? Absolutely not. Being straightedge is a life choice, and it's not mandatory. I don't at all have a problem with anyone who does drugs, drinks or smokes. It's their choice and I'm not forcing them to do anything they don't want to do. I, personally, don't want to do any of those things simply because I want live healthy. That's merely my opinion and no one else's. Anyway, the party actually being more entertaining being one of the only sober ones there. Watching drunk people attempt to talk, walk or do anything else was quite fun to be honest. At one point, some random kid (who wasn't invited) walked into the room (the door was open, which wasn't a smart idea to begin with) and laid down on the ground, falling asleep. The kids at the party eventually kicked him out because he wouldn't respond to any of their questions. Again, it was fun being sober while watching this and because I can actually remember it. The friend and I went back to my room to play Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Brawl (both are classic games) while we waited for the pizza that was ordered at one in the morning. The pizza was good and was a nice touch to an enjoyable party. I'm not much of a party person, but this was a rare exception. I didn't get crazy or anything like that, but it was entertaining to watch everyone else there. All in all, it was an enjoyable first weekend at college. I'm in the midst of my second weekend at college right now and while it hasn't been as crazy, it isn't over yet, so anything is possible. The morale of this story is to realize that just because you're in college (or any school), you don't need to drink. If you do, that's fine, but be responsible and don't over indulge yourself. Have a fun time while in college/school, but don't have too much fun that you won't remember it down the line. |
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