College years are a great time to explore interests, meet new people and even make a few mistakes along the way.
However, mistakes involving high-risk behavior can have life-altering consequences.
The UI community has seen the consequences of these behaviors as several UI students have died in the past decade at UI because of alcohol abuse.
UI has taken action to prevent these tragedies through the creation of two task forces – drug and alcohol, and Greek life. UI also tries to educate students on the consequences of high-risk lifestyles, like abusing alcohol and drugs, or having unprotected sex.
Not to mention the countless resources UI has invested in to help students with these problems. If you or a friend needs help dealing with high-risk behavior reach out and ask for help, take advantage of these resources because they are often some of the best places to get advice and counseling.
That being said, UI can only do so much. It is ultimately up to students to assume responsibility for making campus life safer. Say something if you see an intoxicated girl stumble into a dark room with guy. Say something if a guy takes the key after having one too many.
The parents are gone now and we are on our own.
It’s important to be safe and make good decisions because the poor decisions will affect your near and distant futures.
Whether that poor decision is picking up a lifelong STD, or being arrested for underage drinking, the consequences are real.
-RT