Mindy Kaling reflects on her early relationship with alcohol in her book "Why Not Me?" Upon arriving at Dartmouth College in 1997, she reveals that she viewed alcohol as both enticing and perilous. Her perspective led her to binge drink, driven by the fear that the opportunity to indulge might be snatched away. This comparison to a raccoon rummaging through a garbage can illustrates her impulsive and reckless approach to drinking during her college years.

Kaling's admission highlights the challenges she faced regarding moderation, suggesting that her thrill-seeking behavior prevented her from developing a balanced attitude toward alcohol. This approach, fueled by a desire to seize enjoyment quickly, speaks to broader themes of youth, excess, and the lessons learned about personal limits over time.