The fact that I have a cocktail or two before class every once in awhile hasn’t posed any problems for me or my GPA.

I had a cocktail before class today.

There it is, that look of disdain that I tend to get when it is discovered that I’ve had a drink in the afternoon before class. And you with that look on your face: get over yourself.

Once, upon discovering that I had a drink before class, someone said to me, “I hope my daughter never behaves like you when she is in college.” It was said in such a condescending way that I was taken aback. I immediately thought of my parents.

I thought of how happy they looked when I received an award from this university for academic excellence. I thought of how excited they were to discover I was accepted into a well-known honor society. How much they marvel at my kick ass GPA and how proud of me they were when they discovered I was going to be a columnist in this paper.

That woman may want to take that comment back, because in all honesty, I am a successful college student. She would be lucky to have a daughter like me who is responsible and dependable. I take my education very seriously; I always have and always will.

But there is another thing I take seriously — my sanity. Most students can relate to the tremendous amount of stress that I am under as a college student and as an active member of the work force.

So I am going to be bold. I say there is nothing wrong with having a drink before class. And those of you who think it is taboo or in poor taste, well, I suppose you can continue to lead your boring and prudish lives.

We all have different ways to deal with stress. Perhaps yoga or a nice walk on the beach. I personally prefer vodka. To each his own, right?

I’m not alone in having a drink in the Gasthaus before class. Not in the least. One girl I sat with today informed me — as she took a shot before heading off to class — that this is her only time to drink. She spends her entire days on campus doing school stuff and the rest of her time is spent working to pay for school.

Another afternoon cocktailer told me that having a beer before class helped her get over being shy and participate more in class. I say, “right on!”

So what’s the problem, why do I keep getting that horrible look of disgust from people? I am able to lead a successful academic life. The fact that I have a cocktail or two before class every once in awhile hasn’t posed any problems for me or my GPA.

I’m not stumbling into class or causing a drunken ruckus — it’s a cocktail, not a shot of heroin. If you are able to balance a beer with your lunch or a cocktail even, and still lead a successful life — more power to you. In fact, I applaud you.

Life is too short to worry about what people are going to think. Enjoy yourself. And if that involves having a tasty alcoholic beverage, so be it. I’ll see you in the Gasthaus. Cheers!

> Comments