The presence of alcohol on a college campus is no mystery. However, the choices one makes regarding usage can ultimately impact one’s future. We have all been around or, at the very least, heard about those who have made poor choices in situations involving alcohol. Whether it be the roommate who spends the wee hours of the morning bowing to the porcelain goddess or the unlucky student who gets an ambulance ride and stomach pumping as a result of alcohol poisoning, alcohol abuse has impacted many student’s lives on campuses across the nation. So, even with all the publicity and statistics surrounding this all too familiar issue, alcohol abuse is still prevalent at Virginia Wesleyan College. 72.9% of students drank alcohol within the last 30 days. 48.6% of those reported to binge drinking in the past two weeks. Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks (for men) or four drinks (for women) at one setting. Those are just the reported statistics. How many more of those students were dishonest or didn’t turn in the survey for fear of their parents or coaches discovering their answers?
Another disturbing fact on our particular campus is that these percentages include not only those who are over the age of 21. Therefore, many VWC students are committing an illegal act as well as potentially endangering their health. Statistically, 73.4% of students under the age of 21 who attend Virginia Wesleyan College consumed alcohol within the last month. Though it is understood that the Residence Life staff cannot be everywhere at once, nor will intrude on the privacy of a resident without just cause, the percentages should not be anywhere near that height on a campus this small. Campuses nationally have experienced numerous deaths, thousands of injuries and other notable problems due to students who participate in binge drinking. Some of these problems include vandalism, fights, injuries, drunken driving, and getting into trouble with authority figures such as security officers and police. Virginia Wesleyan students have seen similar occurrences on our very own grounds.
Yet, many administrators continue to ignore the problem and publish flyers that talk about how Wesleyan students proudly consume less alcohol compared to national averages and statistics. However, a blind eye is turned to the fact that these surveys are considered inaccurate by students who see what the situation is like from the inside. When the flyers were posted up on campus, students all over snickered and thought, "if they only knew." The key to the entire issue is responsibility and moderation. Binge drinking, contrary to popular belief, is not a requirement for social interaction, to fit in, to feel attractive or for any other reason. In fact, overindulgence in alcohol can have the opposite effect. It is unattractive to stumble around, vomit, pass out or be unaware of one’s surroundings. However, it is not only unattractive, but harmful to one’s health. Vomiting, passing out, dizziness and other symptoms of drunkenness are signs that your body is rejecting the substance that college students are so willingly over-consuming. Be responsible. Know your limits. And most of all, don’t drink and drive. Hand over the keys for your health and for the health of others.
"What do you think of taking J-term away and replacing it with a three-credit class?"
"I think J-term is a good idea because it allows you to become knowledgeable in areas other than typical semester classes." --Kerri Hollinger, Freshman
"I like J-term. It provides adequate insights into other areas of study without the stress of having grades to worry about." --Chip Dougherty, Junior
"I think they should take away J-term completely. Why would you want to come back over your vacation? You should be given ample time to be with your family and to relax." --Mark Rossi, Sophomore
"I went to Maui and had a great experience for my J-term. I learned about lifestyles of a different culture and had fun and relaxed. I don’t think that they should take the J-term away." --Erin Duckett, Senior