With spring break just around the corner, students are readying to toss their textbooks aside and prepare for the ultimate extended party.

It’s a notorious time for bikinis and booze, but the Ventura College Psychology Club advises students to keep the following thought in mind during the week-long vacation: think before you drink.

On Wednesday, March 24, the Psychology Club will host the 2nd Annual THNK Event, an enlightening project that encourages students to be wise in their actions during their time away from school.

“The THNK event is specifically designed on the Wednesday right before Spring Break since there is a tendency to increase drug use and binge drinking at this time,” said faculty advisor and psychology professor Lucy Capuano Brewer. “Unfortunately sexual assaults while under the influence also increases.”

The event will take place in the lawn area between the science building and Learning Resource Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“This is our second annual THNK event, and it came up last year, when one of our club members shared her story about a close friend being in a coma due to a DUI accident,” said Capuano Brewer. “Many other club members shared their own stories and we all felt this is a big problem that needs to be addressed and confronted directly.”

The event is open to the public and those in attendance can participate in a number of activities, including a fatal vision obstacle course that will allow students to understand the dizzying effects of driving under the influence.

Resource booths from various organizations, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Sociology Club, Rainbow Alliance and the VC Health Center, will also be available for students who may have questions or concerns about substance abuse.

A handful of guest speakers will also be in attendance to provide information on DUIs and to preach against alcohol addiction and sexual victimization involving alcohol and drugs.

California Highway Patrol officer Tony Pedeferri will serve as the keynote speaker.

“We want to educate and help students make better decisions in respond to their own drinking and addiction,” said Capuano Brewer. “If students are in need of help, we will have a number of mental health agencies they can reach out to and get the help they need on site.”

For more information on the THNK event, contact faculty advisor Lucy Capuano Brewer at 654-6400 ext. 1272 or visit the Psychology Club website at http://vcpsychology.homestead.com/psychology.html.