TJ asks WU students to drink responsibly

For many students, the legendary parties are some of the most exciting aspects of college life.

Booze, beats and good friends can make memories that will last until you’re in a retirement home.

But of course, similar to many other fun things, alcohol can be dangerous in excess. As pointed out by Heather Evans-Anderson, assistant professor of biology, excessive drinking can lead to ill health and possibly and early death.

But we’re not advocating against drinking. We’re not condoning underage drinking, either. We’re asking students to be smart when it comes to booze.

At some point in your college career, if not already, you’ll have the opportunity to get completely wasted. The memory-loss, puking on your shirt and accidentally breaking a lamp type of drunk.

And you, as an adult, get to make that decision. The Johnsonian just asks you to be careful; not only for your safety but for the safety of others.

If you’re going to party at Suite in Charlotte or you’re hitting a local bar here in town, make sure someone sober can get you where you need to go.

If you’re feeling sick later that night, ask someone to hold your hair back or keep you from choking on your own vomit (it happens).

If you’re having trouble controlling motor skills, try not to break your arm or break someone else’s leg.

Just act responsibly and drink responsibly. 

Again, we’re not asking students to refrain from drinking because that’s unrealistic and unfair.

At least half of The Johnsonian staff is of age, and we all know the stories of alcohol induced mistakes. Some of us refrain from drinking because of religious beliefs, and some just prefer Dr. Pepper.

But some of us go to McHales after press night for a beer to blow off steam, similar to many other students.

We are, after all, journalists.

All The Johnsonian asks is for you to stay smart and safe while drinking. The police blotter fills up quickly, anyway.

For more information about Winthrop’s alcoholic beverage policy, visit the Student Affairs page at www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs.