Cornell student George Desdunes passed away Feb. 25 after he was found unconscious in the early morning hours at the campus’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon house. Investigation into his death is still ongoing, but it is rumored that alcohol was involved in the incident.

According to Collegedrinking.gov, 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die of alcohol related causes each year. Irresponsible drinking is linked to other issues such as assault, unsafe sex and property damage, according to the website,

Alcohol-related death has directly affected OU and changed its policies forever. The events that occurred almost seven years ago are still a sensitive subject to discuss. It is unfortunate that the young lives of our peers have to end in such a tragic manner.

It is time for college students to be responsible with their drinking habits, and for us to look out for our friends and fellow students.

If you looked carefully, the aforementioned statistic accounts for 18- to-24- year-old drinkers. The number of alcohol related deaths could be significantly reduced if more college students obeyed the age limits for alcohol consumption.

Underage drinkers tend to be more reckless because they are already participating in an illegal and taboo activity. Furthermore, students are often afraid to ask for medical attention for those friends whom they know have been drinking underage for fear of further punishment.

Many students, even after they have turned 21, make pledges with themselves to not drink alcohol. This may be an unpopular decision, but those who choose to take this leap have the opportunity to live college lives that are healthy and safe.

But students who are of age shouldn’t have to avoid drinking altogether if they don’t want to. In this case, it is important to consider making decisions that don’t lead to incident or injury.

However, a night of partying should never lead to several hours spent on the bathroom floor or a trip to the hospital. There are many better ways to drink safely and still have a good time.

The first step is to find a designated driver for the night. This person has the sole responsibility of not drinking during the night. Perhaps you can persuade this person with a free meal, but it is important to have someone who will not be drinking so your group has a sober ride home.

Alcohol impairs judgment and sensible thinking. Students need someone with them who can tell you to stop when they see you have had too much to drink. We owe it to our friends to protect them and make sure they don’t get into a dangerous situation.

Lastly, stay awake and sober up after drinking. After large amounts of alcohol are consumed in the body, the alcohol blood level does not stop rising once drinking has ceased. The liver has a difficult time processing all the alcohol and it is released rapidly into the blood stream. Alcohol poisoning could occur long after a person has stopped drinking and passed out for the night.

Because of this, it is important to have a friend watching you while you recover. Many alcohol-related deaths could be prevented if the person isn’t left to fend for him or herself.

As college students, we should all know this information. If you already do, then consider this a review. If you didn’t know some of the facts and tips relayed here, then consider this a lesson learned.

Drinking does not have to be a negative activity. The physical act of drinking isn’t inherently wrong, and it doesn’t have to end in the pain and agony of alcohol poisoning. And, it most certainly shouldn’t lead to the premature death of young students who are here at OU to work hard and create a successful future.

— Jelani Sims, religious studies and professional writing senior