Macalester CollegeDrug Safety Summary

Written by Tatiana Craine

Tatiana Craine

Hometown

Eden Prairie, MN

Major

English with emphasis on Creative Writing

View all previous student authors

Over the years, Macalester students have let their reputations go up in smoke—literally. Whether it’s cigarettes or marijuana, many of the students at Macalester have experimented at least minimally. Famed for years as a bunch of “pot-smoking hippies,” Macalester students have both shied away and lived up to the title. While there are students that enjoy toking a little after a particularly stressful day or long night of partying, there’s no pressure to do so. In fact, Macalester students don’t really push anyone to do or try any substances that they don’t actually wish to do. There’s an unspoken agreement that if you want to do something, you can; if not, that’s totally fine, too. Straight-and-narrow students won’t feel out of place at parties or in the dorms. Likewise, most Macalester students drink on a regular or weekly basis, but people uncomfortable with alcohol shouldn’t feel excluded by any means.

Those that want to find harder or more obscure substances can do so, though with some difficulty. However, students should note that the danger of trying drugs from unknown sources can often be riskier than the reward. College is a time for experimentation, and Macalester students are all for trying new things—even if they don’t do it personally. The best solution for students who choose not to indulge in substances is not to criticize those that do and accept that some people want to knock at the doors of perception without judgment. As with most other pursuits, Macalester students are responsible and accepting in their substance-related adventures, partying hard after working even harder.