The (ab)Use of Adderall on College Campuses

Finals are approaching. What does this mean? The energy level at the library will heighten. The number of parking spaces on campus will diminish as students, hibernating all semester, will suddenly start going to class. And, of course, Adderall will be in high(er) demand.

Although I have never taken Adderall, I know plenty of kids who have, whether it was prescribed to them or not. I can vividly recall one day in the library last semester right around finals crunch time. I saw a student move from table to table--not-so-inconspicuously, and rather pleadingly--and ask other students if they had any Adderall on them. Around this time of year, Adderall is a study supplement. Many students pop an Adderall, much like some may guzzle a large cup of coffee or pound a couple shots of espresso, before proceeding to produce a ten-page paper at record pace. Whether this casual consumption is abuse or not is debatable...

I have heard an array of responses from students who have taken Adderall for "academic reasons." One boy in my class said he made a very rookie Adderall mistake. He popped two pills, didn't really feel more focused after half an hour, so he took another one. About twenty minutes later, he still hadn't attained the unrelenting focus he had hoped for, so he took yet another. About an hour later, he felt the effects of the drug. At this point, however, he was experiencing the effects of four pills. He said that although he did write the fastest paper he had ever produced, he was up for the next twenty-four hours. Apparently, Adderall overdose causes some serious sleep deficit.

The article entitled, "Adderall: College Students' Best Friend -- Or Worst Enemy??" sums up the Adderall dilemma nicely:

"The promise of a better GPA with less effort is promise enough for college students across the board to obtain Adderall by any means necessary. Many students admit to actually seeing doctors and purposefully exaggerating symptoms of ADHD to acquire medication. Others simply pop a generously donated pill from their pals (8). The danger lies in the possibility of dependence and the rarely considered effect of the drug on those that have preexisting medical problems that can deteriorate with prolonged use (8)."

Cold Air, Hot Coffee

As the winter months are upon us, I have noticed a lot more people carrying hot coffee around campus. I myself, a coffee addict, even have to switch from iced coffee to hot coffee when the air turns cold enough that I run the risk of having my hands freeze to the plastic iced coffee cup (as a rule, I try not to hold an iced coffee while wearing gloves--it's just kind of a contradiction). I can't imagine winter in New England without a good cup of coffee (or tea). A piping hot cup of coffee always tastes so much better after having drudged through a sloshy, bitter path on campus or after having shoveled a slick driveway; you can feel the hot beverage start to thaw out your insides.

I'm sure I'm not the only winter coffee enthusiast out there. In fact, Starbucks in particular seems to embrace and market the rawness of winter; they welcome the holiday season with winter-themed cups, festive decorations, and a menu infused with winter favorites (I recommend the peppermint hot chocolate). In many ways, Starbucks becomes its own culture. It seems that the holiday season is (unofficially) kicked off when Starbucks decides to switch over to its festive cups and decorations.

Although I thoroughly enjoy a chilled iced coffee on my way to the beach in the peak of summertime, there is something so comforting about a warm cup of coffee in the winter. Nothing beats curling up in a chair, sitting by a fire, and sipping a steaming cup of java. And while I fully appreciate Starbucks' brightly-themed paper-ware, nothing beats a good ceramic mug.

BlockBUSTer

The other day, I mentioned something to my friend about renting a movie. I said something like, "We could go to Blockbuster and pick something up." She proceeded to inform me that Blockbuster had gone out of business. This news, besides altering my plans, upset me. While I hardly frequent Blockbuster, it's nice to know that it is an option for nostalgic movie viewers like me. In the past few years, I have watched local video rental stores go out of business, their numbers diminishing rapidly. However, I didn't envision Blockbuster, one of the leading companies in the movie rental industry, to file for bankruptcy.

Call me old fashioned, but there is something special about physically going to the video store and picking out a rental or two. While Netflix, HBO, On Demand, and other instantaneous methods of viewing movies are great, (you can't beat the convenience) they just aren't the same. I spent many a Friday night of my youth begging my mom to take my sister and me to Blockbuster, only to beg her if we could please rent two Mary-Kate and Ashley videos (my sister and I worshiped the Olsen twins). Now, however, TV viewers can access hundreds of movies with a few clicks of the remote control. However, is it possible to rent (or should I say "download"?) a classic MK&A movie on On Demand? I think not. While this new technology is convenient and efficient, it is certainly not a virtual trip to the video store. I will say, though, that the whole no-late-fees thing is quite appealing. Perhaps if everyone had paid their late fees, Blockbuster would still be in business...

On Courtesy

I was driving to school the other day when a car heading in the opposite direction flashed its lights at me. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of this. I thought that maybe the other driver was informing me that my lights weren't on, but it was daylight, so I ruled out this possibility. Regardless, I slowed a little--or at least became more aware of what was going on around me. About forty-five seconds later, I spotted a police officer surreptitiously stationed on the side of the road. Then, it made sense. The other driver had been warning me to slow down because a police officer was ahead. This small, considerate gesture got me thinking about courtesy today.

We are in the midst of a period of time in which our society is learning how to handle new technology. Regardless, this does not mean that we should completely disregard our manners. Technology has fostered a need for a new etiquette. While courtesy conjures images of holding doors for others, saying "thank you," and other everyday acts, the permeating presence of technology in society has added another dimension to the practice of courtesy. For example, it seems that everyone has differing opinions regarding what is socially-acceptable, especially in terms of cell phone usage. Most cell-phone users, including myself, have been guilty of sending a quick text message, checking the time, or having a short conversation at an inappropriate time. However, I think there are certain times and places in which it is inexcusable to use a cell phone. For example, I would be hard pressed to justify using a cell phone at any religious service. The masses I attend are less than an hour. While I know the thought of abandoning one's cell phone for fifty-five minutes can be quite nerve-racking, one should make the sacrifice for everyone's benefit. (Nothing is more awkward than when a priest is delivering a sermon and a piercing ringtone so rudely interjects.)

Because cell phones are still relatively new to society, we are still trying to forge some sort of understanding, some sort of generally-accepted conduct. As society continues to grapple with new technology, it's important to promote "cell phone etiquette." There are certain rules that all cell phone users should strive to follow. For example, "Avoid texting during face-to-face conversations." I'll admit, I'm guilty of responding to a text while I'm chatting with a friend. However, I try not to maintain multiple conversations at once. (Not only do I find it rude, but I am also not capable enough for this kind of multi-tasking). One of my roommates is infamous for trying to maintain both an interpersonal conversation and a text message conversation simultaneously. The two of us might be having a fluid conversation, but once I hear the vibration of her cell phone, (the tell-tale sign of an incoming text message) I might as well just get up and occupy myself with something else for a few minutes. She'll stare at her phone, chuckle to herself, mumble something, then proceed to formulate a reply. Her attention completely shifts. If I am in the middle of a story as she receives a text message, I should probably just text my remaining portion of the conversation. The chance of effective verbal communication is pretty much shot. Still, I love my roommate, and the text-message-induced-shift-of-attention has now morphed into a running joke among the other roommates and me.

The onset of technology in society has caused a need to cultivate a new etiquette. I am grateful for my cell phone; it keeps me in touch with so many people in my life. However, we must be wary of the possibility that these same communication devices are responsible for the destruction of other outlets of communication and of societal interactions in general. We've made immense progress in the realm of technology. If we can create a cell phone that can practically do anything, we can surely construct and abide by a modest set of social manners

Thanksgetting

As Thanksgiving approaches, a few things come to mind: turkey, football, family, and the anti-holiday, Black Friday. I guess I shouldn't say anti-holiday. I should also clarify that I am not totally opposed to the Black Friday craze. I just find that Black Friday seems to overshadow Thanksgiving increasingly each year. Pretty soon, we'll scrap the whole turkey nonsense and focus on the "real" holiday at hand.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those that find delight in the thought of stuffing away turkey, sleeping for fifteen minutes, and heading out at the crack of dawn to head into the jungle that is the retail industry on the Friday after Thanksgiving...and those that don't. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate a good deal just as much as the next gal. However, the succession of holiday events seems somewhat inconsistent. It's ironic, isn't it? Let's all get together, share a lovely dinner, discuss how blessed we are, only to get ruthless at the mall as we fight over the latest digital gadget hours later.

Thanksgiving, as its name implies, means gathering with family and friends to spend time together and express appreciation (at least that's what I was always taught). After partaking in this wholesome experience, however, many Americans clear their plates--along with their gratitude--and take on the personas of materialistic vultures. I'm talking about the worst-case scenarios, of course, but still. I think some of us need to reassess our values. Even though many venture into the abyss of Black Friday for holiday shopping purposes, in pursuit of gifts for others, the persistent mindset of Black Friday shoppers is what is most upsetting to me. The measures that some people take to win this shopping marathon can be quite disturbing.

We've all heard some Black Friday horror story. One in particular has resonated with me. A couple years ago, an employee was killed at a Long Island Walmart in the early morning hours of Black Friday. Killed. As in, this person's life was unjustly taken as a result of a cultural oversight of basic values. I don't think it's wrong to want to get a bargain. I do, however, think its wrong when this obsession for saving money comes at the price (no pun intended) of human life. No amount of "great deals" can ever justify the harm or death of another.

As Black Friday looms, it's crucial to think in terms of the big picture (no, not the big picture TV). Is it worth it? If your answer is yes, it's worth it to wake up at 3:30 am in order to wait in line at Walmart, that is absolutely your prerogative. Just remember not to take anyone down in the process.

Thoughts on studying abroad

Next semester, I will be studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. I am both thrilled and terrified. When I was researching which program to pursue, I came across myriad articles -- both informative and satirical. I thought I would relay some of my experience--so far--in the study-abroad process. Obviously, I have not actually experienced studying abroad yet. However, I have already undergone many of the steps in selecting a program, submitting an application, and following the procedures here at URI. I am still in the midst of all this, and I will be the first to admit that I wish I had gone about it in a more organized fashion. I have already learned a lot during this pre-study-abroad experience. Hopefully the actual experience follows suit. Here's a very informal list of suggestions for someone who would like to study-abroad:

Don't make the same mistakes I did!

If you are like me, you "know" you want to study abroad. You have to; it will enrich your academic life and provide you with an incredible experience. However, make sure that you don't let your inhibitions affect the application process. What I mean is that once it came down to filling out the application, making advising appointments, etc., the reality of studying abroad began to set in for me. I started to get nervous as I came to understand that I would be away from home for over four months. Thus, I would do my homework or chores or anything else before my application. I avoided the application process because what it signified began to terrify me. I started dreading getting the e-mail reminders about deadlines. I got anxiety every time I would make a list that capitalized, "COMPLETE ABROAD APPLICATION!" I can't even explain the things I would do instead of the damn application! (I began to feel sudden urges to clean everything, fold clothes, catch up with old friends...) My point is, don't procrastinate filling out the application and other paperwork. Even if it begins to give you anxiety, if you think you want to study abroad, do the application early. That way, you'll have it done and won't have excess anxiety when you're cramming to finish it!

Livin' la vida loko

(Don't be fooled by the seemingly harmless look of these brightly-colored cans!)

Have you heard about the alcoholic beverage, "Four Loko"? Although it was introduced in 2005, I hadn't heard about the drink, nicknamed "liquid cocaine," until recently. Not only is the drink alcoholic, but it also contains a significant amount of caffeine and sugar. Apparently, it tastes like an energy drink, but has more serious effects than the average caffeine jolt. The hybrid alcoholic-energy drink has already elicited some media attention. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of Four Loko.

Four Loko comes in a variety of fruity flavors: Citrus, Grape, Fruit Punch, Orange Blend, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Lemonade, Cranberry Lemonade, and Lemon Lime. The carbonated beverage tastes like an energy drink yet contains twelve percent alcohol -- equivalent to over two beers or mixed drinks. The danger in drinking Four Loko relates to just how easy it is to consume them. Several of my friends drank one and a half cans each one weekend and have since sworn off Four Loko -- according to them, even one is too much. Apparently, Four Loko doesn't necessarily induce an out-of-control drunken state, but it causes drinkers to feel over-energized. According to a CBS News article, "Four Loko: Is New Party Brew 'Liquid Cocaine'?" "Some Four Loko fans say they like the 'caffeinated malt beverage' because it gives them a paradoxical alert-but-relaxed feeling."

Four Loko is popular among college students, but many are learning the hard way that perhaps the drink is all it's cracked up to be -- dangerous. One article from the Daily Orange summed up Four Loko's appeal, "The drink has taken off in popularity, especially on college campuses where students are attracted to its high alcohol content and cheap price." However, some campuses have actually banned Four Loko. A Syracuse news report stated, "After students at northern New Jersey's Ramapo College were hospitalized last month after drinking Four Loko, the college president ordered that it and similar drinks be banned - and he's encouraging other colleges and the state to follow suit." As a dry campus, URI will not follow suit. However, perhaps it should warn its students about the possible ramifications of "coke in a can."