Benjamin Harris, a U. Idaho senior and Sigma Nu member, died July 13 from alcohol poisoning on his “21 Run.” He was pronounced dead at approximately 3 a.m. the day after his birthday. The only value his birthday celebration has now is the lesson to be learned from the mistakes made that night.
A fatal ending to excessive drinking is not limited to one case. Though this instance hits close to home and should be an example to our community. The problem is within this generation. Instead of making responsible decisions for ourselves and looking out for our friends, students take on challenges to consume 21 drinks or shots on the day they are legally able to drink, or encourage friends to do the same. There is pride in being able to do the longest keg stand or to be the beer pong champions — students actively participate in drinking Olympics without care, because “death won’t happen to us.” We are immune and indestructible.
The reality is we are not. Alcohol is lethal. Death does happen. The recent loss of a fellow Vandal is one of many instances where excessive alcohol consumption, whether in a short duration or extended amount of time ended badly. The instance should be remembered and reflected on and a lesson should be learned. Make responsible decisions and look out for friends.
At some point when out at the bar, or at a house party, someone will be too drunk to take care of themselves, and at this point someone should intervene to ensure the person’s safety. When planning to go out, people should be aware of decisions they will make that night and consequences, whether positive or negative.
The decisions we make are entirely our own. While at the university we are no longer under parents’ supervision and they cannot save us. College is an experience that should change a person’s perspective, give them new insight for life and better shape them for the world waiting afterward. This generation is not the first to be irresponsible about alcohol, but it could be the first to start working to mend the flaw. How many of our fellow Vandals have to die before we understand the severity of excessive drinking?