Every year around this time, downtown San Jose has hosted its own unofficial version of Mardi Gras. With college students and young adults drinking and handing out beads, mostly known for being received when flashing an individual, San Jose has become known for its wild night of drunken fun.
But why has it become acceptable for young adults, college students and even minors to partake in festivities which are best kept to responsible adults during the weekend?
“Fat Tuesday,” as it is called, is during the week, of course, when most people are still in school. Tuesday is also a day in which many people have homework due the next day. But how many students are actually taking the opportunity to get ahead in their studies instead of “getting wasted”? Now not all students are actually being completely irresponsible, but there is a large number of students who blow off academics for one night of a good time.
Given the fact that college is nowhere near a free education and people are actually being turned away for an education because of budget cuts, no one should be jeopardizing their academics for one night of fun. Bad grades are one way of being kicked out of school. Yes, students should be allowed to experiment, experience and have fun. But when is fun too much fun? And not to say that Mardi Gras is not something that is not worth celebrating, but it can also be celebrated in a mature and responsible way.
Of course Mardi Gras is not the only time college students let loose and potentially get out of control, but Mardi Gras is a widely known “holiday” for people to get intoxicated and get out of control.
Knowing that Mardi Gras is not going anywhere anytime soon, here are a few tips to keep things in perspective on this night of plenty of alcohol, women flashing their breasts and people having a drunken blast.
n Try to make sure you complete your homework before going out. You will feel more accomplished knowing you finished it earlier than coming home in a drunken daze to realize you have not even touched it.
n Drink plenty of water and eat foods with bread. No one wants to show up to class hung over.
n Take a shower before heading out. It might put a dent in the fresh smell of alcohol in the morning when you wake up. You may not have time to shower before class.
n Have a designated driver walker. No one can possibly enjoy a DUI or DIP (Drinking in Public) fine while tackling classes at the same time.
n Most importantly, be safe. Fun is temporary yet so is life. Don’t let one night ruin a life with potential.