Walls shows real-life risks of alcohol
Residence Life created an Alcohol Awareness Wall in the Student Center to give students access to information about the dangers of alcohol use. "What we’re actually trying to do is just really give students correct information and information to help them make wise and informed decisions," Jennifer Culver, Elsey Hall coordinator, said. The wall itself included pictures and stories of young people whose deaths were caused by alcohol abuse. Statistics and studies done on alcohol and quotes from famous individuals, such as Dean Martin, and anonymous stories from students and staff members can also be seen on the wall. "The purpose of the wall is to have people reflect and think and understand the different perspectives and the different stories that are out there, even on our campus," Culver said. Stereotypical views often exist with the use of alcohol among young people. Culver said many students are under the illusion that everyone is drinking is that everyone on campus is drinking. "Another misconception is thinking that someone can’t be under the influence unless they drink a lot," Terri Nigh, coordinator of Student Health Services, said. "Different people react differently. You just really have to know your tolerance level." Students also need to be aware of health risks that come along with drinking high amounts of alcohol, such as choking on their own vomit, lowered inhibitions or passing out. Students like freshman Sarah Roddy believe alcohol is not a problem for Franklin students, but others like freshman Jenae Jones think it’s an issue for those who have access to alcohol. "Some people have their ways of getting it [alcohol] no matter what," freshman Jenae Jones said.
