Tea Time with Tagwa: Trick or drink

Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor

Tea timers, I made a new song for y’all — hear it out:

Trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something good to drink. If you don’t, I don’t care, I’ll find the nearest frat affair.

Okay, so maybe that wasn’t lyrical genius, but you get the point. It’s spooky season. Time to get all types of dressed up and party like it’s our last weekend on Earth. With Halloweekend nearing its peak, I urge all of you to be careful. Drinking your livers out is cute in concept, but the repercussions are far less attractive.

I’m all for the partying planned for this weekend. In fact, I will be participating. I just want y’all to stay safe. Halloween used to be a time when we went around door-to-door asking for candy. Now, we’re asking for something a bit stronger.

I support all of you in your endeavors for this weekend, as I hope you reciprocate the same energy and support for me. However, since I care about all of you so much, why don’t I share some insider secrets on how to ensure you and your friends’ safety this Halloweekend?

Freshmen, let me start by welcoming you to your very first spooky tradition. I’m sure you’ve heard many stories about the infamous Halloweekend on college campuses. I understand the excitement may be overwhelming, but please take some notes. While my list of safety tricks is helpful to all, you are the primary target.

1. Go in groups. Make sure you’re going to parties in a group of people you not only know but, more importantly, trust.
2. Know your limit. Watching everyone around you take shot after shot is exhilarating, and the peer pressure is intoxicating. But be aware of how much you can handle.
3. You are responsible for yourself. Like I said before, nobody knows your limit but you. Therefore, it is nobody’s responsibility to cut you off.
4. Stop peer-pressuring each other. If someone says no to a drink, don’t try to force them to keep drinking.
5. Don’t drink just anything. While stereotypes have perpetuated that this point pertains only to women, I’m going to direct this to people of all genders. If you didn’t see someone pour it, don’t drink it.

But seriously, have fun this weekend. Halloweekend is one of the most horrifyingly thrilling times of the year. Enjoy yourself as much as you can. I know how exciting partying with your friends and meeting new people can be. But don’t let peer pressure turn your Halloweekend into one you’ll never remember. And that’s the tea.