University of Idaho students consider themselves young, wild and free — until someone’s friend, roommate, sorority sister or fraternity brother is seriously injured. College students often think they’re invincible. But multiple campus incidents and injuries each year prove invincibility is far from the truth.
UI sophomore student and Alpha Tauo Omega fraternity member Kurtis Wrobel was found on the ground Wednesday morning after falling off the fraternity’s roof. Moscow of the chapter’s house, and police say alcohol was involved. Fortunately, Wrobel suffered no permanent injuries but when a student is hurt in an alcohol-related incident, it becomes a campus-wide issue.
Life on a college campus can be like living in a virtual version of truth or dare with new freedoms and friends, few responsibilities and alcohol in abundance. Without parental supervision your well-being is in your own hands and making safe decisions is more important than ever.
In 2007, more than 19 percent of college students met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, while 3 percent thought their problem was bad enough to seek help but didn’t, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
UI has been emphasizing campus safety with the start of the “I Got Your Back Campaign.” The campaign encourages students to look out for one another — Vandals taking care of Vandals. The university is putting forth the message and it’s up to students to listen.
Most people recognize that drinking and partying is a big component of college life. However, when alcohol becomes a major factor in several campus incidents in which students are sometimes seriously injured it’s time to reevaluate our behavior. It takes courage to stand up to friends and peers and make a choice that might be unpopular or considered lame. But it’s your responsibility as a friend and a person to tell someone when enough is enough.
Going to college comes with a list of inherent problems such as choosing a major or making new friends, but physical safety should never be a worry. Always be a friend –look out for your friends, especially while you’re drinking, but don’t stop there.
Be a friend for the person who came to the party alone, for the stranger person who doesn’t know their limit and, for the person that is about to make a choice that could alter their life forever.
— CR