Today, as the sun fades over the horizon, another dead week come to a close. Additionally, as the moon begins its ascent into the sky, it brings with it the biannual tradition that we have come to know as the Hillsborough Hike. Many who have walked the Hike and come through North Carolina State believe this tradition is one of our greatest.

For several tonight it will be their first time to lace up their boots and go Hike, myself included. I can recall being a freshman and attending a party just off Hillsborough Street and walking out and seeing the approximately 2,000 students traveling on the path of bars on the Hike. Upon witnessing this spectacle I began to think about the day that I too would be legal to participate in the custom, and this is the year.

This tremendous tradition dubbed the Hillsborough Hike unites the upperclassman of North Carolina State. It is this moment before the dreadful final exams that may be the last time that friends get to gather with one another as college students. Within less than two weeks of the Hike a large portion of our student body will no longer bare the title student, but rather alumnus.

I would like to encourage all students of legal drinking age to come out to Hillsborough Street tonight and partake in this custom. This is a wonderful opportunity for North Carolina State students to give a boost to the some 20 businesses that are right in our backyard. Patronizing businesses is not the sole reason to participate in the Hike. Doing it among friends and other Wolfpack students is perhaps the true reason to engage in this endeavor.

I plan on Hiking with many of the friends I have come to know in my two and a half years here at State. Getting the chance to see if my friends and I can make it all the way down Hillsborough is going to provide us with memories that will not only last for a few days, but a lifetime.

In college there are times you will remember forever. The Hike will probably be among those events during your college career that will be eternally etched in your mind. With each stop along the Hike there stands a good chance to establish a memory that will stay with you and pass along to your children or grandchildren. Hopefully, by being safe and drinking responsibly tonight, your recollection of the Hike will be pleasant and unforgettable.

To make sure your Hike will be the best experience it can be, there are a few things that I want to remind you. Most of these you know, but a reminder can only help you and others.

First and foremost, get a designated driver or a cab. We can’t afford to risk people driving drunk and getting into accidents and killing themselves or someone else. Secondly, stay hydrated. With the amount of alcohol that will be consumed tonight, please make sure you don’t drink yourself into dehydration. Start now and drink only water for the rest of the day. Finally, make sure you know your limits. Don’t drink more than what you know you can handle. Mainly don’t end up passing out in a bathroom or on the street. By following these few reminders you can save yourself lots of problems, both physical and legal, and ensure an enjoyable evening.

To those who are not yet 21, I would recommend you not attempt to Hike. This can only lead to trouble. Be patient and soon you will be able to put your boots on. For those of us who are 21, I say come out and let’s drink to another semester gone by.

So today, as the sun is still in the sky and the dead week begins to fade, begin to think about what is awaiting you just a few short hours from now. For it is with the glistening moon that will bring to life the path for Hikers to follow, a path that can lead to many different places. I, for one, plan to take the path and make the most of it, and in doing so capturing memories that will last me a lifetime and treasuring my time with friends.

E-mail Matt at [email protected].