Let’s get something straight.

We aren’t going to tell all of our underaged readers out there not to drink alcohol, because we are all adults here and it is your choice. We aren’t going go lecture you about the fact that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal and runs the risk of getting a minor in possession (MIP) charge. We aren’t going to tell you that parties can’t be fun.

But if you do choose to consume alcohol before you turn 21 and you get caught, you have no one to blame but yourself. Period.

It’s fine that those who are issued MIPs have emotional responses to them. MIPs are expensive and can be life-altering, especially for students who are studying in fields like education and physical theraphy in which most jobs require background checks, or those who plan on attending graduate school.

It’s not fine, however, that some students receive MIPs are quick to thrust the blame onto someone other than themselves.

During News Editor Anya Zentmeyer’s police ride along, one minor who was arrested by police after being caught under the influence of alcohol while on probation told her, “That’s what police do. It’s their job, screwing people over.”

No.

If you are old enough to make decisions about alcohol, you are old enough to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions.

An MIP is not the fault of the university, the GVPD or whichever police officer cited you for the violation; it is your fault, and your fault alone.

We aren’t going to tell you not to drink, but we will say that if you do drink, drink responsibly. Don’t put yourself or others in harm’s way, don’t drink more than your body can handle and, no matter what, don’t drive under the influence.