The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views

Resident Assistants bring alcohol awareness on campus with Mocktail Night

Gabrielle Caumon, Staff Writer • February 28, 2024
Gabrielle Caumon

St. Edward’s Residence Life hosted a Mocktail Night last Friday to raise students’ awareness of the effects of alcohol. From virgin tequila sunrises to margaritas and beers, the St. André Multipurpose room transformed into a social event anyone could attend.

Alcohol consumption is a significant subject matter, as a lot of students are confronted with it. “I think it’s very important to understand alcohol and the effects it has on people,” sophomore Elena Reyes said. “It feels like our generation just does it for the fun of it without being aware of the consequences.” The Resident Assistants (RA) find an inventive way to create an appealing event for students that combines a social community gathering with promoting the idea of responsible drinking. (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
The Mocktail Night event was an initiative of RAs Santiago Leon, Heather Pitre, Remigio Vitores and Andrew Banda with new Resident Director Taylor Wayne. “It was great to see the RA’s from different buildings come together to create an event,” junior Bruno Echt Fusaro said. “This is something I have never seen before at St. Ed’s. I think there are a lot of opportunities to include all the communities together and do so in the future.” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
As St. Ed’s has a lot of international students from all over the globe, every student has a different relation with alcohol, whether it be personal or cultural. “I found the event very entertaining because there were a lot of diverse cultures,” international student Jashar Aliu said. “As you know, we Irish love to drink, but the mocktails were surprisingly good.” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
Students saw the Mocktail Night as an opportunity to get acquainted with the St. Ed’s community. “Meeting people that you’ve seen around campus, and actually getting to know them in a sociable and lively environment made me feel more connected to St. Ed’s,” junior Elsa Sanchez-Tolentino said. “I called myself an extroverted-introvert. I am happy to talk to everybody, I just need a little introduction first.” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
“This event was a great place to make new connections, and also to be among my friends,” junior Julian Diaz said. “We were able to go, have a night out and make memories — all of that without alcohol!” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
RA Santiago Leon with some of its residents, who came to support him. “We found the idea fun and original,” freshman Natalia Martin said. “It felt like this event was something college kids actually wanted to do. We also knew it would be a good time knowing how hard Santi worked on getting the program approved. Besides, we all know how funny Santi is!” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)
St. Ed’s events often face a lack of attendees, but the Mocktail Night seemed to be a breath of fresh air as more than 100 students attended. “I came because I don’t drink alcohol and I am looking for innovative ways to enjoy an alcohol-free lifestyle,” sophomore Isabel Custodio said. “Sometimes you think that the only fun is with alcohol but this event is showing otherwise which I absolutely love.” (Gabrielle Caumon / Hilltop Views)

 

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About the Contributor
Gabrielle Caumon
Gabrielle Caumon, Staff Writer
Gabrielle Caumon is a junior from Paris, France, who is pursuing a major in the BFA Acting program and a minor in Journalism. This is her second semester writing for Hilltop Views and her first as a Staff Writer. She loves writing for the Life & Arts section, and is excited to branch out and try out other genres.