The spring semester has begun and it’s the dawn of a new decade. Just in time for classes to begin, the excitement revels as the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion is only days away.
City and university officials are cracking down on the usual rowdy behavior after complaints soared following last year’s events.
This will be the 106th Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and every year the festivity is marked with heavy alcohol drinking and the slew of consequences that go along with the irresponsible consumption of alcohol.
Security is up and underage alcohol consumption will not be tolerated. People already seem to be taking the new rules lightly but they really need to follow them.
UT has run into several issues over the past couple of years during this time.
The behavior of students hasn’t always been the best during these times and some students have run into dangerous situations because they were not acting responsible. Everyone needs to look out for each other and be responsible for their actions and their friend’s actions.
UT has always been at the heart of all the action and this year will be even more as the parade route stretches into downtown.
Last year, security did not allow anyone without a valid UT ID to enter campus to prevent any trespassers and we are sure that they will be tight this year as well.
Now, if students don’t have too much fun at Gasparilla, they will still have the rest of the semester to look forward to accomplishing great things.
The Minaret tries to reiterate at the beginning of each semester that the beginning is the best time to set the course for the rest of the semester. As soon as we end the first week, the next week will come and the next one until it is all over and we have lost track of all time. Now is the time to make it work and start keeping up with classes and planning out how to be the most successful for the rest of 2010.
So do what is necessary, to not only start your semester on the right foot but also the New Year and new decade.
The Minaret looks forward to being your source for UT news during 2010 and beyond.