2008 Woodie Awards
Don't shed responsibility in spring
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Opinion
Spring is upon us, and with the change of weather comes a plethora of endings. It is the end of coats for seven months, slushy sidewalks and another semester. With such ends, especially the latter, come rushed plans, frolicking and festivities, and it becomes easy to lose one's head.
People are outside more often and inhibitions are shed with layers of clothing. It's good to be living life in the moment and completely in tune with your surroundings, but unfocused actions can face severe consequences. There has already been one reported accident involving Western students and, sadly enough, there will probably be more to follow before the end of this semester.
Vehicular accidents aren't the only negative repercussions to being overly carefree. People tend to walk through Q-lot, as well as other poorly lit areas of campus, alone at night, making themselves prime targets for being raped or mugged. Things like failed tests or even entire courses can result from spring fever; though not as major, even those things can put a damper on the end of the school year for someone.
It may seem like this is not something that will happen to you. Only a fraction of rapes are reported, and many accidents and muggings are minor enough that they don't make the news. Just because cases aren't reported does not mean they won't happen or can't happen. The danger of such incidents is possible.
Getting caught up in a moment is easy, but it is also just as easy to accidentally run a red light or pass in a no-passing zone with fatal results. It's also easy to make yourself a rapist's treat by walking alone across Q-lot to your dorm in a bright red leather miniskirt.
Try to keep your head this spring. Drive with caution and walk with even more caution. Finals, end-of-semester projects and many other things may keep you preoccupied, but try to keep grips on your senses - such could save your life.
Life is delicate and irreplaceable. Don't let the springtime changes bear tragic consequences for you. It's perfectly acceptable to have fun, but in doing so, be sure to use good judgment. Good endings don't just happen; good endings are created. You can live happily ever after.
People are outside more often and inhibitions are shed with layers of clothing. It's good to be living life in the moment and completely in tune with your surroundings, but unfocused actions can face severe consequences. There has already been one reported accident involving Western students and, sadly enough, there will probably be more to follow before the end of this semester.
Vehicular accidents aren't the only negative repercussions to being overly carefree. People tend to walk through Q-lot, as well as other poorly lit areas of campus, alone at night, making themselves prime targets for being raped or mugged. Things like failed tests or even entire courses can result from spring fever; though not as major, even those things can put a damper on the end of the school year for someone.
It may seem like this is not something that will happen to you. Only a fraction of rapes are reported, and many accidents and muggings are minor enough that they don't make the news. Just because cases aren't reported does not mean they won't happen or can't happen. The danger of such incidents is possible.
Getting caught up in a moment is easy, but it is also just as easy to accidentally run a red light or pass in a no-passing zone with fatal results. It's also easy to make yourself a rapist's treat by walking alone across Q-lot to your dorm in a bright red leather miniskirt.
Try to keep your head this spring. Drive with caution and walk with even more caution. Finals, end-of-semester projects and many other things may keep you preoccupied, but try to keep grips on your senses - such could save your life.
Life is delicate and irreplaceable. Don't let the springtime changes bear tragic consequences for you. It's perfectly acceptable to have fun, but in doing so, be sure to use good judgment. Good endings don't just happen; good endings are created. You can live happily ever after.
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