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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

A German experience on an American campus

Column by Valerie Brockman November 5, 2012

More than two years ago I stepped on American ground for the first time. I was full of excitement to enter a new continent, and to explore its young culture.  However, I soon realized the country is different...

Avoid the usual costume trends this Halloween and be original

RIP October 31, 2012

College students this Halloween can expect to relive the cultural hits of the past 10 months at parties this week. The shelves of local party stores are full of Catwomen, Avengers, Banes and Big Birds....

Don’t take your Halloween safety for granted this year

RIP October 31, 2012

Halloween is a popular holiday for the college-aged crowd. It’s nothing really new if you’re into cosplay, but it’s a more acceptable opportunity to break out your killer costume-making skills and it’s a unique way to have some fun with your friends. 

I love Halloween parties due to the absurdity of it all. You’d never think you’d see Zorro, Sailor Moon, The Mad Hatter and Ernest P. Worrell all in one room. 

While Halloween parties for the college crowds are a fun way to spend the night, rather than just sitting at the dorm or in your apartment watching the entire “Halloween” film series marathon, there are some very important safety tips I hope you follow.

We’ll start off with the ones you should be familiar with already: Drinking alcoholic beverages is not an uncommon sight, but don’t think that just because you’re dressed like Captain America that drinking a large quantity of alcohol will not have its affects on you. So, know your limits so your life doesn’t turn into a real-life horror story.

Just like when you were trick-or-treating as a kid, it’s best to go to Halloween parties in groups and not by yourself to places you’re unfamiliar with. This especially goes to those who like to wear more provocative costumes. You may be everyone’s friend at that moment, but some people’s friendly demeanor can be deceptive, so make sure you know when something is going too far and that you have a method of being in touch with a friend.

My last important reminder is to observe the rules requested by the hosts of the party. Due to the recent tragedy in Colorado, some venues are requesting not to have costumes that include full-face masks or paintings. Another is having a no tolerance policy toward costume accessories that appear to be realistic looking weapons, notably guns.

I know it seems like we’re back within the confides of our grade school’s Halloween celebrations, but it’s best to follow that rule, so it doesn’t allow some crazed lunatic a chance to take someone’s life.

Now that you know what not to do, it’s time apply it to make your Halloween night as safe as possible. Soak up the fun and absurdity of it all, because just like Christmas, it only comes once a year.

Trick-or-treat: For college students?

RIP October 31, 2012

As we approach the Halloween season, it’s important, as college students, to know what we are socially allowed to do. Obviously costume parties and dressing up to get free burritos from Chipotle are...

Female costumes take sexy way too far

RIP October 31, 2012

Halloween is a time when people dress up as a variety of things. Monsters, myths and random professions are all different costume choices. The great thing about Halloween is that anyone can do any thing,...

A fun Halloween memory from Liz

RIP October 31, 2012

Standing at the door, I knew to expect the weird or wacky. My art teacher was notorious for dressing up in elaborate costumes to hand out candy on Halloween. The year before, he insisted on giving everyone...

Is it truly Halloween when you spend your night studying?

Columnist October 31, 2012

Picture this if you will. You’re a college student who’s been paying attention so much to whether or not you will get straight A’s this semester that you’re not even aware of today’s October...

Halloween: Why even bother with it?

RIP October 31, 2012

As a six-year-old I pushed into celebrating my first Halloween. I had the most adorable sparkly, black and orange witch costume that was completed by the perfect pointy hat. My parents are divorced, so...

What I want for this holiday season

RIP October 31, 2012

Writing this makes me feel like I’m asking Santa what I want for Christmas. Since there’s not really a clearly defined Spirit of the Halloween season, I’ll just skip that part.  Anyway, Halloween...

Haunted houses are usually a waste of time

RIP October 31, 2012

Halloween has always been on my list of things I love, however that love was tested two years ago when I became part of a haunted house in town. As a huge fan of this holiday, and a naturally dramatic...

Pass the turnips: your guide to Halloween’s past

Columnist October 31, 2012

Across the Halloweens of your life, you’ve gone from dressing up as a Power Ranger to watching horror movies to visiting haunted houses to dressing up as a drunken Power Ranger that hits on girls wearing...

A family death is only a good excuse until it becomes reality

Staff Reporter October 29, 2012

A Facebook friend of mine made a funny status post not too long ago that read: “I can’t remember how many times my grandma died when I was in college.” Of course, he was referring to the excuses...

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