Every Friday night, without fail, I am awoken around 3am. It isn’t anything necessarily important, it’s usually the drunk ramblings of my suitemates, and even more frequently, the intoxicated screams and squeals of many people, cramming into a small dorm where they most likely will grind, sing, drink, and generally have a great time. As for me? Well, I’ll be sleeping. And I don’t believe that’s a bad thing. I’m going to go ahead and address the elephant in the room here; honestly, I have never been to a college party, in a frat or otherwise, and I don’t plan on it either. I assume by the time this sentence begins the collective gasp of my readers will have subsided, so please, allow me to explain!

When I first came to Washington and Jefferson for an overnight, I had the opportunity to partake in some of the “festivities” on campus. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea of going to a party. Being a college with a very active Greek life, Washington and Jefferson is not an out-of-control campus, but the parties are well known, and some first-hand accounts I have gotten describe what comes to mind when I hear the words “frat party”. Let me say that I don’t believe for one second that there is anything intrinsically wrong with going to a party, as I know lots of people that go to parties regularly, and they have met some great people, and found a great way to spend an otherwise unremarkable weekend. Instead of a blanket statement about the problems of going to parties like this, let me suggest another way to look at it, the way I see things. When I think about what to do for the weekend, I see a variety of drink options. For some, a tangy, fruity Screwdriver is the perfect mix, for others, a dry martini, shaken, not stirred.

And still others, smooth rum, and Coke, classic and simple. Some are more adventurous, preferring a sweet White Russian or sultry Sex on the Beach. No matter what someone chooses, that drink is their drink of choice, it’s a representation most often, of their personality, individuality, and tastes. Some may argue it’s in this choice that the beauty of mixology lies. In our case, I argue that choices for plans for the weekend represent who we are as people, the types of adventures we enjoy, and the crowds we enjoy. Now, if you’re wondering how I fit into this equation, my staying in is just my drink of choice, and for some, it’s much too sour. But, I have my reasons! One of the most important is just how much I enjoy the sweet taste of a good night’s sleep. Nothing is quite like waking up well rested and ready to take on a new day.

Now, I don’t generally get a full night’s sleep when I’m in my dorm on a Friday night, but that’s beside the point! Also, I happen to really love my job; probably more than most college students. The problem with this relationship? It’s somewhat inconsiderate towards my sleep schedule, requiring that I get up sometimes in the very wee hours in the morning, thus also requiring that I go to bed early. Oh, the things we do for love… Regardless, I am here to say that the stereotype of people not going to parties as “prudes” is outdated and clichéd. It’s time we started respecting other’s “drink of choice” and celebrating the individuality that makes us all human. After all, differences make the world go ‘round. And if you’re reading this and thinking about your plans for the weekend, which may or may not involve binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, you’re in good company. One Netflix binge-session, on the rocks, coming right up.