In response to William Ames' letter recommending 8 a.m. classes as the solution to binge drinking ("Mandatory 8 a.m. class would stop 'problem,' " April 12), I have a few thoughts of my own.

As a member of the Penn State community, I have difficulty reconciling his accusation that binge drinking is so promoted at this university that it prolonged his graduation 13 years. Furthermore, for someone who had such a problem with alcohol, as he admits, I find it unrealistic that he would suggest 8 a.m. classes as the solution. If "nothing sobers up a person quicker than responsibility," why did the responsibility of graduating college in less than 13 years not sober him up? The "problem" of underage drinking and the recent crackdown of local police is not the solution for Penn State, nor is 8 a.m. classes.

It's the duty of each and every student here to take responsibility for his or her own actions, be it drinking or not, and to attempt to balance their four years at Penn State with a social and academic life.