INSTEAD OF catching your attention with a unique and clever introduction, I am just going to say what I need to say in the first sentence: Be safe over spring break.
You may think that I am simply going to list a series of guidelines for your wild and crazy spring break, but before I offer some helpful advice, I want all University students traveling this break to recognize that you are an important component of the University of Virginia community.It is of the utmost concern that you stay safe over spring break. With this in mind, use some common sense.
For one, plan ahead on how much you are going to drink. It is a good idea to have at least one person in your group drink responsibly in order to make sure everyone returns home safely. Stay with a friend who knows you are drinking and do not wander off alone. Remember, you are no longer in Charlottesville. Stay close to the people you know.
Second, do not make the assumption that the person you just met at the club or bar is going to look out for your safety. This is a major mistake and one that is easy to avoid. Keep in mind that it is more likely you will be sexually assaulted by an acquaintance than by a complete stranger.
Third, do not accept drinks from strangers. This is a rule of thumb in every location, including Charlottesville. We all hear about the negative consequences concerning altered beverages, but please recognize that it is an even greater danger in foreign locations. Watch the bartender make the drink you will be consuming.
Fourth, if you do end up consuming a large amount of alcohol, avoid horseplay or climbing on balconies. This is a bad idea for obvious reasons. Acknowledge the fact that such behavior can be fatal. In 2002, an American student died after falling from a balcony while intoxicated in Cancun, Mexico.
In addition, it is not a good idea to carry all your credit or bank cards in a single wallet or purse. If stolen, your whole trip can be ruined. I remember visiting Barcelona, Spain this past summer with several of my friends and having to spend a great deal of my visit trying to track down a stolen purse that one of my fellow travelers left unattended while in a bar. The time and effort spent canceling cards was exhausting.
Keep in mind that there are people who go to clubs and bars without any intention of drinking or dancing; some simply want to take your belongings. It is a good idea to carry as little cash as possible when you go out and leave all other valuables out of sight in your hotel room.
Lastly and most importantly, use some common sense. You are all University students with outstanding mental abilities. Use caution when visiting unfamiliar places. Remember that Cancun, Acapulco and even Miami are all very different places from Charlottesville.
You will need to take a different approach when drinking and partying in these locations. This may seem completely obvious, but consider the seriousness of a typical spring break season in Cancun.
According to a January 2003 USA Today article, the eight-week spring break period in 2002 saw American students in Cancun account for "two deaths, 360 arrests, four injuries that required medical evacuations out of the area, one rape, 495 reports of lost or stolen property and 504 'general welfare inquiries' -- usually from parents back in the USA who were worried about a student's whereabouts." This information comes from the U.S. Consulate in Merida, Mexico, whose territory includes Cancun. Keep in mind that this information only consists of cases actually reported to the consulate. It is likely that more incidents took place than the data suggests.
It's very easy to get caught up in the excitement of spring break. Everything will be new and different, and the surrounding mass of college students will indeed serve as an influential force -- a crowd mentality, if you will. However, it is of the utmost importance to remember the advice your family, friends, professors and I have offered concerning your health and safety. No one wants something bad to happen, especially the victim. Recognize this and act accordingly. Acknowledging the fact that you care about your health and the health of your friends should motivate you to be responsible.
Stay safe over break, relax a little and keep in mind there are people here at the University who care deeply about your safety and wellness.
Thomas Gibson is a fourth year in the College and is chair of the Student Council Safety and Wellness Committee.
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