2008 Woodie Awards
Fun without booze
Karen Tableiou
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: The Edge
Alcohol: A "necessity" for college students or just one way to have fun? You come to college and, through a multitude of stereotypes, you're expected to drink. But there are so many other things to do; you don't need to resort only to alcohol for a good time.
I don't drink. I never have and I'm not ashamed to admit that. I chose not to drink before I turn 21. Alcohol isn't appealing to me, so I simply don't drink because I don't want to. Many people are surprised when I turn down a beer and tell them that I don't drink, but they're actually supportive of my choice and don't force anything on me.
So, you're probably thinking, "If she doesn't drink, then what does she do on the weekends?" Well, most of my weekends are full of movie nights, game nights and baking cookies with friends while simultaneously playing truth or dare. I also do a lot of other things, like taking random road trips to Galesburg, Peoria or Quincy just to get out of town. That's how I have fun. I do go to the bars with friends on some nights to dance or a friend's house party to see people I haven't seen in a while, but I still don't drink.
There are a lot of alternatives to drinking. If you're an outdoors person, there are a bunch of wooded areas, such as Lake Argyle or Everly Park, where you can take hikes, go fishing and canoeing or just sit and watch the world pass by.
You can also go out at night and stargaze. A couple of weeks ago there was a fabulous lunar eclipse, and there are many other wonders in the night sky to see. If the great outdoors isn't your thing, there are always open mic nights happening across campus. You can also catch a flick at the theater. The UUB is always putting on a variety of programs and concerts for us to enjoy.
I could go on and on about the variety of different non-alcoholic events that are going on here at Western Illinois University, but that would get very long-winded. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't drink. I'm only pointing out that there are alternative ways to have fun. You don't always have to resort to drinking in order to have a good time, and even when you do drink, you don't need to get plastered every time.
I don't drink. I never have and I'm not ashamed to admit that. I chose not to drink before I turn 21. Alcohol isn't appealing to me, so I simply don't drink because I don't want to. Many people are surprised when I turn down a beer and tell them that I don't drink, but they're actually supportive of my choice and don't force anything on me.
So, you're probably thinking, "If she doesn't drink, then what does she do on the weekends?" Well, most of my weekends are full of movie nights, game nights and baking cookies with friends while simultaneously playing truth or dare. I also do a lot of other things, like taking random road trips to Galesburg, Peoria or Quincy just to get out of town. That's how I have fun. I do go to the bars with friends on some nights to dance or a friend's house party to see people I haven't seen in a while, but I still don't drink.
There are a lot of alternatives to drinking. If you're an outdoors person, there are a bunch of wooded areas, such as Lake Argyle or Everly Park, where you can take hikes, go fishing and canoeing or just sit and watch the world pass by.
You can also go out at night and stargaze. A couple of weeks ago there was a fabulous lunar eclipse, and there are many other wonders in the night sky to see. If the great outdoors isn't your thing, there are always open mic nights happening across campus. You can also catch a flick at the theater. The UUB is always putting on a variety of programs and concerts for us to enjoy.
I could go on and on about the variety of different non-alcoholic events that are going on here at Western Illinois University, but that would get very long-winded. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't drink. I'm only pointing out that there are alternative ways to have fun. You don't always have to resort to drinking in order to have a good time, and even when you do drink, you don't need to get plastered every time.
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