<p>Druggies are druggies, whether they go to Reed or the local community college. I’ve never understood why people use drugs. I used to think drug users were just plain stupid, but now I realize a certain recklessness could be responsible and that people from the mentally ■■■■■■■■ to MENSA members could become users. I just don’t get it. It still feels dumb. I mean, anyone could become depressed. Most people don’t respond to depression by injecting themselves with heroin or sticking a gun in their mouths, which is basically the same thing only quicker. </p>
<p>I feel sorry for these kids. They are obviously bright, but something in their brain isn’t functioning correctly. I think colleges should have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drug abuse. I went through four years of college without touching a drop of alcohol or experimenting with any illegal substances. It seemed illogical to me (still does) how getting “stoned,” or “bombed,” or “wasted” somehow makes college or life better. And I had to work my way through a private university. My parents had no money and I didn’t have any scholarships or grants. If anyone should’ve been depressed it should’ve been me. I hate to say this but I suspect a lot of college kids today, especially at elite schools, are simply spoiled. They are pampered, coddled, whatever, and “doing drugs” is part of some sort of rite of passage nonsense between summers abroad. Try working 40 hours a week on a midnight shift doing manual labor, while taking 15-18 credits per semester at a private college.</p>