Alcohol Anyone?

Faith Putans
I am aware that the following blog entry puts me at risk of fulfilling the stereotype of the average college freshman, but I can’t really help that I’ve been thinking an awful lot about drinking.  And I can’t imagine I’m the only one.

I made it a goal to not drink during high school, and though this was very difficult at times, I reached that goal.  There were many nights that I sat home while all of my friends were out partying. I vowed that this was not how I was going to spend my college career. I became curious as to what the big deal was and I decided to give drinking a try in college.  I found out that I like to drink and that it can make for a very fun time (when done right).
Drinking allows us to be slightly (or overwhelmingly) more outgoing.  We can easily hold conversations with people we have never met.  We can dance without worrying about who is watching us.  We can laugh at things that sober, we would not find as hilarious.  I can’t help but question though if drinking is changing who we really are, or is it allowing us to better and more freely express our personalities?  This relates to the issue with marijuana.  Many people view smoking pot as a habit that is irresponsible and pointless.  That there is no sense in altering “reality”.   But then again, there are societies that view smoking marijuana as a religious and spiritual experience-as a means with which to connect more completely with God.  Can we really say that they are wrong without being guilty of ethnocentrisim?

I used to immediately judge the intoxicated.  I thought the way people acted when under the influence was stupid and immature.  I was so sure that I was superior and above this way of life.  But now along with respecting the decision to not drink, I also respect the decision to drink (within limits).  While drinking we must continue to hold ourselves up to the same standards that we do when sober-moderation is key as is maintaining self-control.  If one is unable to do this, then drinking becomes a problem.  But until then, it doesn’t seem like such a bad way to take the edge off.

Marie Ternes’s Blog

I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with road races, so I apologize if you are unable to relate.  The aches and pains in my body, however, are preventing me from writing about anything else.  As some of you know, this morning I ran the Grand Rapids half-marathon.  About half way through my training for the race, I developed tendonitis in my knee (which is why I have been limping around lately).  Even though my doctor, my friends, my family, a bus driver, and a janitor all told me not to run the race, I couldn’t bring my self to quit.  I had put in too much sweat, blood, and tears (not to mention a $70 registration fee) to call it off.  Now that the race is over, I can safely say I’m glad I stuck it out until the end.  Even though I probably injured myself more by running today, the accomplishment and fulfillment I have right now is worth it.

 As I ran, I got to meet so many cool people from all over the Midwest.  When I talked to them, I realized that tendonitis is nothing compared to what some other runners have gone through.  There were people racing with torn meniscus’s, and broken bones.  But the people who really made me think were those who were running for a cause.  I saw people wearing shirts reading “cancer survivor” or “in memory of my wife.”  All of a sudden my knee pain seemed to be petty.  Running a half-marathon is painful, but physical pain reduces to nothing when compared to the emotional pain that these racers experienced. 

I received so much more from the race than a medal and countless blisters; I gained a true appreciation for the fortunate life that I have been given.  While my wounds will heal, and my limp will subside, I will always take with me the emotional insight that I have gained.