After the whirlwind of transportations that occurred at the beginning of this past fall semester, things seem to have smoothed out. Or have they?
Students (mainly freshmen) continue to drink copious amounts of alcohol, teetering the border of needing medical attention. While students have realized that public perception of them is at risk, their remedy hasn’t been reducing their intake — it’s been ensuring that they have friends around to take care of them. Building support systems is inherently a good thing, and many students believe going overboard is a “canon event” or an item ticked off the “college bingo card.” However there may come a time when simply “yakking” isn’t a satisfactory solution.
“Responsible partying” is a phrase that usually turns me and many others off from whatever advice an adult is giving us. The terms do not seem to mesh well together, and many see it as a way of insinuating that we “shouldn’t have too much fun.” That isn’t the case at all, and trying to implement the tips in this article a couple of times will help you enjoy your parties at the 5Cs even more.
The Claremont McKenna College Dean of Students Office’s (DOS) main view of the topic was that “transports can save lives.” For CMC, the Medical Amnesty Policy is imperative so that students aren’t afraid to ask for help if they’ve over consumed.
“Whether students are transported or not, they meet with a member of the Dean of Students Office to talk about the circumstances from their perspective and to develop a plan for safer decisions in the future. These existing policies and practices are not under review,” DOS said via email.
That being said, DOS is wary and concerned about the material effects of the “yakking.” “[Alcohol use can] cause residence hall damages, or suffer academic consequences, relationship problems, etc. as a result of their decisions,” DOS said.
Although DOS offers comforting advice, ask any upperclassmen and they’ll let you know that such behavior gets you on an implicit watchlist, and there will be more scrutiny around your actions at parties and events. I’ve been given this advice countless times since orientation week — going overboard once means you risk being able to comfortably let loose in the future.
After all, the DOS office controls everything we do, from our academics and club activities to our residential life. While they don’t normally interfere, being seen as a “transport kid” could impact other aspects of your college life. It isn’t a title to be worn with pride and even if your actual family isn’t told, given that you’ll be on this campus for the next 4 years, your “family” here will be well aware of your reputation.
Two years ago, Claremont McKenna had to shut down Monte Carlo early due to excessive transports, a repeat of which might lead to further consequences for us. So how do we rectify this?
Well for starters, spacing out our drinks could make a huge difference. When at a pre-game or at the party itself, it’s easy to make another drink for yourself when you see people around you drinking the whole time. However, being mindful of your own pace is important to ensure you don’t overdrink. Additionally, eating a full meal before drinking is helpful too as the food can soak in the alcohol so you don’t get too drunk. Plus, keeping hydrated is essential so that you don’t dehydrate and feel like vomiting.
CMC’s introduction of no substances at the popular event “Club Claremont” to honor former student Ali Mirza CM ’13 is a great example of people having a good time without alcohol or other drugs. Mirza unfortunately passed away due to excessive substance use and his family helped create this event as an example of responsible partying.
Don’t get me wrong, I love parties. They are a great way to bond and the memories made can deepen the friendships we have. If you can’t remember the night out, you’re only doing yourself a disservice. Sure, alcohol can be used to set the mood for the night, but there’s a big difference between not being too sober and blacking out.
The notion that parties are less enjoyable sober is completely false and borderline insulting to those that choose not to partake. As mentioned previously, “Club Claremont” is eagerly anticipated as those students that are apprehensive about going to parties where substances are present can enjoy this nightclub-like atmosphere without any worries.
Yes, getting a little “buzzed” before arriving at the party means some of the music or the shoving goes by a little smoother, but drinking more doesn’t mean that feeling will last longer — you’ll just be dazed and miss the fun with your friends.
Kabir Raina CM ’28 is a first-year at CMC and wants people to be able to party without regrets later on.
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