EDITORIAL: Soberfest not taken seriously
What was meant to be an educational experience wasn’t taken seriously.
During Soberfest 2002 activities on campus March 18, many students and faculty took the real message for granted.
The organizers worked hard to plan a worthwhile learning experience, but at least one faculty member said that a portion of the activities were just a “silly exercise.” None of the 80 plus instructors brought their classes to the activities.
Instructors are concerned about educating their students, and Soberfest was a prime example of an educational experience that could last a lifetime. What message is the attitude of many instructors sending?
To be frank, the faculty were not the only ones to blame for lack of participation, the students were as well. For some students, extra curricular activities mean partying, sleeping in or skipping class.
Unfortunately they have yet to experience what “real life” has to offer. To justify lack of participatition, many used lame excuses or avoided the area where the activities were being held.
Even at noon, when hardly any classes were in session, many students still did not participate.
Most people who participated in the outside activities were just there for fun. Some students only attended the cultural center programs because they got coupons from restaurants.
Unfortunately, for the speakers nearly all of the students who attended did not need to be reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving. The message needed to target many who weren’t there.
The few who were involved need to be thankful for their educational awakening and to be thanked for their participation.
There are not enough chances in life to make stupid mistakes. Ignoring the fact that drinking and driving can kill is stupid.