In response to Justine Hain’s “Remember Your College Experience: Drink Less,” I would like point out that a large percentage of the ISU student population not only smokes but drinks, too. It is cliche to say anyone becomes addicted to drinking or smoking after one drink or cigarette. The likelihood of this happening is so small that it is not worth mentioning. I have tried a cigarette and, to your own dismay, I am not addicted. I have also enjoyed a few drinks from my freshman year to my senior year and am doing very well academically and have no problem “thinking abstractly.”

It is a common trend for college campuses to be plagued by binge drinking, and if it bothers you, too bad. You will be hard pressed to find other state schools that do not have the issue. Take your judgments elsewhere, and I am certain you will meet opinions similar to mine. I also chose to engage in some underage drinking when I was a freshman and I was never arrested. Shocking, I know. Call me clever or lucky, but nonetheless, I am arrest and ticket-free.

I am aware there are several alternatives to drinking, but I enjoy frequenting the bars in Ames with my friends and enjoying a few nice, cold drinks while tailgating at 6 a.m. I love going to the movies and going out to dinner with friends, but staying in on a Friday or Saturday to clean my room does not sound appealing. I clean my apartment on a regular basis and do not feel the need to give up a weekend day for the activity.

While you are sitting in your room cleaning by yourself, many of us are out making memories with our friends and living a youthful life. People of legal age should be able to drink without being judged by younger kids like yourself who are not legal yet. I am making memorable experiences at college and remembering all of the fun nights I have had in the process!

Alex Pearson

Senior

Management