UCA students partied in a sober setting at the Drug Awareness Rave on March 19.
The rave was held in Student Center 223/224 for students to enjoy music and dancing without being under the influence of any mind-altering substances.
UCA’s Resident Housing Association hosted the rave for a second year.
Attendees swiped their student IDs upon entering and then were allowed to grab glow sticks to wear.
Refreshments were available on one side of the room and the chairs were cleared out from the center of the floor.
A poster on the wall had a drug free pledge and an alcohol responsibility statement painted on it.
During the rave, attendees used “drunk goggles” to demonstrate the effects of intoxication. The game’s goal was to make it correctly to the end of a jumping obstacle
course, which resembled hop-scotch, while wearing goggles that skewed the players’ vision.
The goggles simulated the visual impairments that drinking over the limit can cause and brought awareness to students regarding the dangers of being irresponsible when consuming alcohol.
Local musical entertainer DJ El provided the music that included up-beat dance hits and dance mixes of popular top chart songs.
Songs with vulgar language were edited.
When “Wobble” by V.I.C played, most students filled the middle of the floor to do the line dance that goes with the song.
The dance floor was open and there were multiple laser lights projecting around the room.
RHA President sophomore Daniel Grayling said the event’s idea formed when electronic dance music (EDM) gained popularity.
EDM brought forward the rave scene and the association between it and drug usage became more apparent.
Grayling said the event’s goal was to demonstrate that young people don’t need to use substances to have a good time.
“Our fundamental message is that healthy, responsible fun is the best fun,” he said. “We want students to leave with a broader understanding of the dangers of substance abuse and the value of a safe spring break.”
Residence Housing Association (RHA) Adviser and graduate student Amanda Kuster said the event promotes students to be drug free and responsible when drinking alcohol.
“It’s a fun way to celebrate after working really hard so far this semester while also giving facts about substance use and making students aware of the value of safety,” she said.
RHA is dedicated to providing students with information necessary for healthy lifestyle choices.
They operate around “ELITE” values: education, leadership, involvement, teamwork and encouragement.
RHA holds many events throughout the semester that promote the “ELITE” values.
The housing association posts tips and event dates to its Facebook page. For more information visit RHA office in Bernard Hall 401
