As alcohol awareness week continues at Sonoma State, an interactive event was held in the Seawolf Plaza. Save A Seawolf Alcohol Awareness Week brings awareness and responsibility where alcohol consumption is concerned. This observance always takes place the week prior to Halloween, as we know that is a high risk time when it comes to college aged students and alcohol use/abuse/misuse. 

Events that were being held consisted of a key pledge to not drink and drive that students had the option of pledging for. Pumpkins were being sold to raise money for club events, and an activity to attempt to pour the correct amount of liquid equivalent to a shot. 

One of the event directors from OPHD, Ricky Khanijow, explained what his table consisted of, “We’re with the office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. So we do exactly that. We help prevent harassment and discrimination. At this table, we’re asking students to pour a shot in a red solo cup, and then we measure that shot and we see if it’s actually shot or not. And generally it’s kind of like 50/50 people either get it or they don’t at all.” Khanijow also shared a program with the STAR known as ‘It’s a guy thing.’  “It’s me talking to anyone who wants to talk about what it means to be a man in today’s society, healthy masculinity versus unhealthy masculinity, and just all that, all that fun.” 

Senior and psychology major, Lily Manshouri said, “I came out to this event to encourage people to acknowledge the importance of alcohol awareness and understand the importance of drinking and driving. Being in college, there is a lot of temptation around us and people forget about the dangers that alcohol can bring. I enjoyed participating in all the engaging activities and I pledged not to drink and drive by signing a key and hanging it with the rest of the keys. They also had Mario Kart on the big screen that students were playing, including myself.” It’s important to hold events like these as they do make an impact on people’s lives.

In an interview with the STAR Gabriela Magallanees shared the importance of her table. “Our booth consists of giving out paper keys to sign and students have a choice to pledge not to drink and drive. It’s important to offer a reminder to students on how dangerous drinking and driving is. Especially being a college campus I know some people think they can get away with it, this is where I came in and shared some logistic information on drinking and driving.” Seawolves always have eachothers backs.

If you’re looking for more support through Sonoma State, Mental Health and CAPS will be holding a drop-in group where you can co-create a supportive and affirmative space, share common experiences, and deepen your self-understanding. This support group will be held on Tues. Nov. 1 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m in CAPS building 17.