When I was 16 years old, I decided to join a band. I was a junior in high school, and a relatively sheltered one. Suddenly, I was thrown into a world of drugs and booze. I have been offered countless shots and other substances, regardless of age and venue.
Entering my fourth year in college, I have yet to consume an alcoholic drink or any other substance. Early on in my music career, I had to make a decision: whether or not I would engage in the typical party activities. It's easy to get soaked up into the collegiate culture of drinking. At this age, before and after turning 21, alcohol is amazingly accessible, and for the first time, many of us are away from home and the parent factor. As a result, grades slip, nights become longer and you are your own adult for once in your life. It's a natural process that everyone goes through.
Given responsibility and very little experience, kids our age tend to make very poor decisions. Just look at my credit score for prime example No. 1. With the new stress and anxiety that college life brings, getting lost in partying is more than understandable. Sometimes, steam needs to be released. However, substance abuse isn't necessary.
Trust me, I'm a musician. I still almost get hooked into taking up smoking because, very literally, everyone I know does. I am the only non-drinking, non-smoking member of my band, and I have been for years. I'm somewhat known for my lack of vices, making it a novelty to try and get me to drink. I am still pressured at every show I play and every after party I attend.
Every time I turn down a drink, I get asked the question "Why don't you drink?" often followed by my explanation. The more I get asked the question, the shorter the explanation becomes. I've almost succumbed to offers just to avoid answering the inevitable "Wait, you're in college but you don't drink?" question.
However, there is definitely a certain balance between being open to new experiences and staying healthy. Just because there is alcohol at a party doesn't mean you shouldn't go. Sometimes going outside your comfort level brings you to the most valuable experiences in your life. College is, after all, about exploration. These are the years you figure out what makes you, what you truly enjoy doing and what you want to make yourself into. You may come out of high school knowing exactly what you want to do with your life, only to change in an opposite direction. My older brother needed three majors before he figured out what he is passionate about.
For all I know, my straight-edge tendencies will cease shortly after my 21st birthday. I may become a drug-addicted boozehound. I may join the rest of my band on their smoke breaks with Camel Menthols. To be perfectly honest, I am completely open to this future. My present is abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It has become my a strong part of my identity as a human and an artist.
Don't drink if you don't want to. Don't do anything if you don't want to. If you don't agree with my opinion, then don't read this article. Anyone who says they won't be your friend if you don't engage in an activity isn't worth your time in the first place. There are more than 20,000 students here. If your high school friends don't appreciate you resisting their pressure, make some better, new friends.
neilorians@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
