Halloweenfest educates students on responsible drinking

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Photo by Angelica Peña

Real Monsters Art Exhibit displays posters to raise awareness about mental health disorders on Halloweenfest on Oct. 30.

Kathleen Carpio, Staff Writer

Think before you drink.

 

A day prior to Halloween, the Halloweenfest provided students the opportunity to learn to party safely and learn their blood alcohol content limits.

 

Hosted by the Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), this event included Halloween games while addressing how to be an active bystander and knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

 

Kylie Cotina, a Health and Wellness graduate intern said that people tend to drink more than the actual recommended serving of alcohol.

 

“When we have a Solo cup and people pour themselves shots, they tend to pour it halfway…  [but] you’re supposed to pour to the bottom line…”

 

The next booth had an art exhibit for students to peruse. It was within the exhibit that students saw the work of artist, Toby Allen. These pieces of art showed grotesque beasts and monsters of the macabre nature.

 

According to Megyn Young, an intern of the SHCS, Allen made these monsters for people to relate to those afflicted by mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

 

“… he wanted to explain his own anxiety to someone who has never felt it before…It’s easier to relate when it comes from something that seems more mystical. It’s very similar to watching a TV show that has any supernatural character that is going through something difficult. Something human and you can relate in that way.” Young said,

 

The SHCS offers their support and guidance year round to any student.

 

Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

 

For more health advice and information on the signs of alcohol poisoning visit: www.awareawakealive.org