4th Year 5th

Today is one of the most disputed days of the UVA calendar, the 4th Year 5th. It taked place on the last home football game of the season, and the deal is that every 4th year much individually drink a 5th of alcohol before kickoff. Usually the game is on a Saturday, thus drinking commences before noon. Tonight, though the kickoff is set for 7:30 pm (because of a contract with ESPN, neither school had a say in what day the game could be). Drinking is going to start in the early afternoon, because the idea is the 5th should be done by the time the game starts.

Last year it was one of the funniest days-- people gathered around University Circle, and it was a gorgeous and sunny day. It was pretty amazing how many people were able to do it, actually. That's not to say there weren't a few naps in between, but I'd say the majority of people made it to either the game or out for the night, if not both.

It will be really easy to not drink for this, mostly because anyone not a 4th year is expected to stay sober to sort of watch over the older kids and make sure things are okay, nobody gets into a car, or tries going to the game when they're so drunk they risk being arrested.

It's a big debate within the community whether this event should be allowed. Of course it is not formally supported by any sort of University group, and there is always the 4th Year 5k around the same time, to encourage people not to drink and stay safe and active. Students also sign a pledge to "Remember the Game," and they wear shirts with the hope that they will inspire others to stay dry.

Either way, I'm looking forward to witnessing this, especially since I've been up every night this week doing work. Not a lot of people go out anyway, mostly because lots of classes have a large assignment due the day before Thanksgiving break, or the day after break. In my case, I have both. So today and tonight should be a fun break from the grindstone. To make it even better, Claire Queally is coming into town! Her boyfriend lives in Charlottesville and so she'll stay through Sunday, even though most other UNC people will be heading back to Chapel Hill Friday morning.

All in all, I'm very excited. But I have to finish my paper before I meet with my teacher at 1:00 to go over it. It's like Christmas Eve!