Forget the post-prandial sherry - Harvard students go right for the vodka

Hi EM Painter,

Drank like this in college, not for very long, but it's showing up now with serious effects on my health. I recommend that students don't do it. Come up with other ways to allow yourself to do fun things. Like actually try to be witty and attractive. If you're a bore or a creep, work on getting better instead of going to a venue where the standards are universally and artificially lowered. I regret my hours of senseless stupidity and hurting people more than all the health problems.

I also have a confession to make:
I love taking shots of vodka!

Other methods of alcohol intake have a tendency to leave me feeling sluggish, with a reduced sense of energy. Drinking vodka does the reverse, imparting a sensation of alertness similar to that of caffeine, with a slight but noticeable edge of euphoria which is usually not present from the likes of mere beer or whiskey.

I realize that, like any physically taxing activity, the recreational use of vodka will probably decline with age. My peak probably came and went during college. That being said, I am still enjoying this activity years later, and trust that a well-rounded diet, regular exercise regimen, and all-around focus on healthy living will preserve my ability to enjoy this drink of choice for many years to come.

If you feel likewise, please respond. We must not leave the appreciation of pure vodka to the likes of today's Harvard students!

Ridiculously high drinking ages lead to hidden binge drinking of high proof spirits, rather than having a beer with friends.