Usually after a night out, all I gain is a pounding headache and a few blurry memories.

But one night, I stumbled around what I thought was the Phi Psi house — it wasn’t — with my roommate and with no recollection of where our items were. In a moment of quick thinking, we decided to split up. We backtracked and found a purse hanging from the bathroom door and an ID beer-glued to the dance floor.

And that’s when I realized: you can learn just as much on the weekend as you do during the week. That’s right, I’ve gleaned everything I need to know in life from the party scene at Syracuse University.

First of all, nights out have taught me valuable decision-making skills. Should I dance with that creepy stranger? Should I shotgun my ninth beer? Should I wear next-to-nothing when it’s 18 degrees outside? Yes, those all sound like solid choices to me. What could go wrong?

Going out has also shown me how to exercise good judgment in potentially embarrassing situations. When in doubt, dance on a table. No, wait. When in doubt, take another shot. Still doesn’t sound right. When in doubt, blackout? At least you won’t remember that embarrassing moment the next day.

Themed parties spark a whole new realm of relevant skills. They have taught me to be a quick thinker and problem solver through many costume dilemmas. Dressing up requires mental finesse and innovation. From high-pressure malfunctions like my Flavor Flav chain losing its clock on the dance floor to last-minute outfit ideas like turning a purple vest into an Aladdin costume, it’s crucial to think on your feet. For instance, paper clips and hair elastics are all you need to secure a clock to a chain necklace, and a Solo Cup can double as a fez.

I’ve also learned the importance of commitment from my weekend fun. You have to stay committed to finding a party, braving arctic temperatures and ignoring the fact that you’ve walked up and down Euclid six times already. You have to be committed to your outfit, even when it seems like a good idea to take your shirt, or pants, off. And you have to commit to your friends. Just because someone wants to take a nap on the sidewalk doesn’t mean you should wave and walk away.

Trust me, I’ve been there. Thank God my friend didn’t let me spend the night in front of Ernie Davis Hall.

I’ve witnessed a multitude of other skills partying has taught this campus as well. One friend found her calling as an actress after portraying a recovering drug addict to gain sympathy in the line at Kimmel Food Court.

‘There’s help for people like us,’ she assured the guy in front of her. ‘There are resources for recovery!’

She was later kicked out for fighting someone over a taco.

Another friend discovered her knack for nighttime gardening after waking up with dirt on her hands and new flowers planted outside her house. And others are out there learning to save money by drinking stolen beer or discovering an aptitude for professional eating after downing four Crunchwrap Supremes in 15 minutes.

Going out lets students master some of the most beneficial lessons. From gaining the simple common sense of what constitutes a good decision to discovering a potential future profession (there’s got be a niche market for nocturnal gardening), party time is equally as beneficial as class time.

So next time you’re debating between a night of hitting the books or hitting the town, remember that you’ll learn just as much either way.

Emmie Martin is a sophomore magazine journalism major. Her column appears every other Thursday. She would like to give shout-outs to her girls Hayley and Brooke. Email her at esmart01@syr.edu and follow her on Twitter at @emmiemartin.

Published on February 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm