Why I Don’t Drink: A College Student’s Perspective
Drinking in college isn’t just common—it’s expected. But when I see students around me making drinking the center of their lives, I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I feel sad.
Sad because I know many of us come from families who worked tirelessly to give us this chance—to go to college, to build a better future. And yet, some people throw that opportunity away for nights they won’t even remember.
I know what you’re thinking: “A sip won’t hurt.” But it’s not just about the sip. It’s about what that sip represents. The risks. The wasted potential. The ego that tells you it’s no big deal.
I’m not writing this to judge anyone. I get it—drinking is everywhere, and it’s easy to feel like you need to join in. But I want to share why I’ve chosen not to drink, and why I believe it’s one of the most important decisions you can make.
1. Your Parents Worked Hard for This Opportunity
For so many of us, our parents sacrificed everything so we could have a better life. They worked long hours, overcame struggles, and did whatever it took to give us a shot at success.
And yet, some of us risk all of that for the sake of a party. Getting caught underage, making a mistake while drunk, or letting your grades slip because of late nights—it’s heartbreaking to think that all of our parents’ hard work could be for nothing.
Ask Yourself:
How would your parents feel if they knew their sacrifices were being taken for granted?
Are you honoring their efforts, or are you letting fleeting moments of fun distract you from the bigger picture?
My Perspective: My parents’ hard work is my motivation. Every time I’m tempted to take the easy way out, I think about what they’ve done to get me here. I owe it to them—and myself—to make the most of this opportunity.
2. Drinking Could Be the Reason You’re Not Successful
Here’s the truth: Drinking might feel harmless in the moment, but it has long-term consequences. The money you waste, the bad habits you form, and the time you lose add up.
Every late night, every hangover, every dollar spent on alcohol—it’s all taking you further from the person you want to become.
Ask Yourself:
Are you sacrificing your future for short-term pleasure?
Is drinking holding you back from reaching your goals?
My Perspective: I’ve seen too many people let alcohol derail their potential. It’s not worth it. Success comes from discipline, focus, and consistency—none of which are helped by drinking.
3. Stop Letting Your Ego Control You
I get it. In college, there’s so much pressure to fit in, to go with the flow, to prove you’re not “boring.” But let me tell you something: Letting your ego dictate your choices is the quickest way to lose yourself.
Your ego tells you it’s just a sip. That you’ll be fine. That everyone else is doing it, so why not you? But deep down, you know better.
Ask Yourself:
Are you drinking because you actually want to, or because you feel like you have to?
Are you letting your ego stop you from making choices that align with your values?
My Perspective: I’ve had to face my own ego and remind myself that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. The only person I owe anything to is myself.
4. Drinking is a Distraction from Real Growth
Some people drink to numb their pain. Others do it to escape the stress of school or life. But here’s the thing: Drinking doesn’t solve anything.
You can’t grow if you’re running away from your problems. True growth comes from facing them head-on, without relying on alcohol to soften the edges.
Ask Yourself:
What are you trying to avoid by drinking?
How can you confront those feelings in a healthier way?
My Perspective: I’ve had my fair share of stress and struggles, but I’ve learned that avoiding them only makes them worse. The only way to grow is to embrace the hard times and learn from them.
5. Drinking Isn’t Necessary to Have Fun
One of the saddest myths about college is that you need alcohol to have a good time. But let me tell you: Fun doesn’t come from a bottle. It comes from the people you’re with, the memories you create, and the passion you bring to life.
Some of the best moments I’ve had in college have been completely alcohol-free. Late-night talks with friends. Working on projects I care about. Achieving goals that I never thought were possible.
Ask Yourself:
Are you drinking because you think it’ll make life better, or are you forgetting how much joy can come from being fully present?
My Perspective: Life is too precious to waste it on things that don’t add value. Real fun comes from being fully engaged in the moment, not from numbing yourself.
Conclusion: Choose a Better Path
Drinking isn’t just about having fun—it’s about the choices you make and the life you’re building. Every sip, every late night, every dollar wasted on alcohol is a step away from the future you deserve.
You don’t need to drink to fit in. You don’t need to drink to be fun. And you don’t need to drink to cope. You’re stronger than that.
Honor the sacrifices your parents made. Stop letting your ego control you. And remember: The life you want is worth more than any drink could ever be.
If I can make this choice at 18, while juggling college and entrepreneurship, so can you. The path to success is clear—it starts with putting down the bottle and focusing on what really matters.
