http://proof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/time-and-the-bottle/?ref=opinion
This article focuses on how much time is wasted on being wasted. I think this resonates very highly with Lehigh students who tend to spend a good part of their time drinking. Especially with Greek Week coming up, it seems as if all students want to do is drink and celebrate. But when you drink too much and blackout, well, then, what's the point? I mean, Greek Week, Lehigh-Laf Week, frat and sorority date parties and formals...all of these things are the highlights of a lot of Lehigh students' lives. Yet, they are also the time when most Lehigh students drink the most: morning cocktails, BBQs, 4 o'clock forties, pregames then parties... do Lehigh students actually REMEMBER the best part of their time here? Is it worth it to drink if you're going to black out and not remember all the fun you had? Did you waste your life at Lehigh being wasted??
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To quote the amazing Asher Roth: "Time isn't wasted, when you're getting wasted."
ReplyDeleteOkay, no seriously, it makes a good point about how our generation is slightly disregarding real life in an attempt to stay young forever. I mean college isn't for partying - it's for getting an education and experience before starting your career. I think a lot of students forget that. But on the other hand, we cannot take ourselves too seriously. Without a little fun, what is life? Boring, that's what. Lehigh is a odd, odd place though. We're known for having a great academic school, and for our partying. Included in this, whether it is (understood) or not, is a balance. If you can balance your lifestyle with your school work, then there is no problem with letting off a little steam. Some people work so hard during the day, going to classes, working at the library, reading, etc. that if they want to go out and have fun on a Tuesday night at Leon's, then why shouldn't they? When Thursday rolls around, most people are so sick of attempting to get their school work in order that they can barely wait. Look at the trend of Lehigh alumni though. Successful Lehigh grads are all over the country, and sadly enough, our party scene has gone downhill. It's all about balance. There is a line that is drawn. If you can't be responsible and control yourself, then there is no discussion. We aren't adults.. yet, but we aren't kids either.
I was actually thinking about this the other day. I'm a moderate drinker, but there are definitely a lot guys in my fraternity who get drunk like it's their job, and I always wonder: is it worth it? Yeah, it's fun to drink with friends and get stupid, but there hits a point where when you can't remember half the things you did, and why is that fun? You're exactly right: I don't want to forget all the memories I've made at Lehigh. It's a connundrum: drinking is supposedly the most fun thing you can do in college, but there are so many cons to it (the hangovers, the blackouts, the dumb decisions you undoubtedly make) that negate it. But whatever, it's certainly not gonna stop anyone anytime soon. Just an interesting observation. This was a great column, too.
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