The week of October 20 through the 26 is National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW). On Wednesday, October 22, the Students Activities Council (SAC), the Health & Wellness, and The Alcohol and Other Drug Committee at Northeast Community College held a “Sober in October” event at the Ag Complex. Organizers said it is important for students to know the detrimental affects alcohol has on them and their bodies. There were many activities where students could experience how alcohol affected the way they did things, such as park a golf cart wearing Fatal Vision Goggles.

There was a Solo-Cup activity where students poured what they thought was a serving size for liquor, beer, and wine and then poured the actual serving size, helping students see the difference. The State Patrol was also there with the Seatbelt Convincer. The students sat in the seat, buckled up, and then simulated a crash at 5 mph.

When the students finished all the events they received a free t-shirt and the first 40 students received a roadside emergency kit.

Aside from all the events, there were informational guides; a drug board which showed drugs and what they look like and pamphlets on smoking, drinking, and drugs.

Northeast IT Instructor Richard Chrisman talked about losing his step-son to a drunk driver, which students said was very powerful and moving. They said it helped explain the reality of drinking and driving.

SAC Co-Advisor Carissa Kollath said, “We had a great turnout and I hope students walked away with some new knowledge and things to think about next time they are out.”