Dear Editor,
As an honors student who attends large parties on a fairly limited basis (three or four times in the past year), I feel that one factor that perhaps deserves more consideration in the recent "Police Yourself" debate is what positive experiences and memories these large, potentially dangerous parties can be for many students.
Being young, drunk and in the company of hundreds of other drunken young people making fools of themselves can produce an extraordinary sense of freedom, joy and unbridled youthful exuberance. It is an experience which I would recommend to anyone who is able to take certain safety precautions (stay close to your friends, be able to walk home, know your biological limits, etc.).
It is true that partying usually leads to immature and irresponsible behavior. To students adjusting from the often lower workload of high school, the increased maturity and responsibility demanded for college life can be quite daunting. Abandoning them from time to time becomes almost necessary. It is quite relaxing to feel all the stress about grades, homework, money and the future melt away into childishly simple concerns such as "don't fall down," "flirt with women" and "make people laugh." This is especially true with the specter of "the real world" looming on the horizon.
In a sense, partying becomes a last, fleeting taste of adolescent freedom before students must "grow up" and deal with suits, ties, families and 40-hour work weeks.
I do not intend to discount the tragic nature of recent events or the right of Muncie residents to a peaceful, quiet neighborhood. I am merely pointing out that partying is a legitimately important part of the college experience of many students, and I for one would be sad to see that opportunity taken away.
Paul Roys
student
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