by Cheyenne Reis
March 7, 2025

On Monday, March 10, the UConnectCare prevention team at GCC is hosting an alcohol awareness event in the Student Union from 12:30pm-2:00pm. The event is being held with the hope to spread knowledge about the effects alcohol can have on day-to-day tasks that would typically be a piece of cake; as well as potential consequences caused by being under the influence.

UConnectCare educators Ariana Henry and Megan Burgess are the team here at GCC hosting the event. I reached out to them and their team to see what they wanted to say to the students about the occasion and its importance. They said that the event “aims to highlight the significance of understanding the effects and potential consequences of drinking.” They emphasized that the event is all about understanding what alcohol does, what you can potentially do under the influence of it, and the consequences of those actions.

They mentioned how the event will include conversation about some of the challenges you may face in your daily life while under the influence and what those struggles might lead to; including but not limited to accidents, injuries, as well as serious and potentially dangerous situations. The UConnectCare team urges students to join them for the event because it is important for not only students, but everyone to understand the consequences of being under the influence of alcohol. The event will include activities such as goggles to resemble the side effects of being intoxicated to show how these effects can hinder one’s ability to do things soundly.

By wearing the goggles students will have to try and accomplish a few simple tasks while dealing with the side effects of the resembled intoxication. The goggles are made to represent what the effects of drinking can do to your physical stability. By wearing the goggles one will see the effects it has on vision, balance, and coordination. This activity is a first-hand experience to show, rather than just tell the difficulties and possible consequences of alcohol consumption. While wearing the goggles there will be a list of tasks to complete that includes things one might do daily as well as playing games like Jenga. There will also be a “sobriety test” where you will have to follow the instructions to the best of your physical capability while impaired by the goggles.

Students are invited to attend to show support and spread awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption. This event is not just for you to learn, but also for you to be able to spread that knowledge to others and continue to make good choices for yourself, and hopefully, for you to help your peers make good choices too.