Be responsible over Spring Break>

If you’re one of many college students embarking on a "wild and crazy" Spring Break next week, keep in mind that what happens on your extreme vacation doesn’t necessarily end up staying on your extreme vacation.

With that in mind, we, like your loved ones, offer you a kiss before you go: Keep it safe stupid!

On Wednesday, more than 2,000 red ribbons circulated on campus to remind students about the number of people who will be killed by alcohol-related accidents over Spring Break.

Circulators of the ribbons say they were inspired to raise awareness about the number of alcohol-related deaths after they learned there are over 105,000 such deaths a year, which breaks down to 2,019 a week and 288 a day.

These ribbons serve just as a reminder of how alcohol can impede someone’s judgment and cause irreparable damage to a person’s life.

While we don’t expect everyone to behave like heaven’s angels over Spring Break, we do encourage everyone to be responsible in whatever your Spring Break plans may be - whether you're lounging on the beach with eight of your friends or staying home and reading a good book.

For many NIU students, this will be your last Spring Break. Make it memorable in a good way. For others who have many more Spring Breaks to enjoy, make sure that your actions allow you to be able to participate in those future endeavors.