Whenever someone mentions it’s going to be (or is) their 21st birthday, there seems to be this instant chorus of “Oh yeeeeeah” from everyone. Because of course, we all know 21 means drinking, partying and messing around till you can’t remember it, right?
Wrong. Or at least for me personally.
Turning 21 was funny for me. I had an important class to be worried about the next morning, I had a residence hall to return to where I’m the person in charge of a floor of 48 girls, all of whom I am obligated to tell not to drink. Despite wanting to go out and party like any normal person does on their 21st, I found myself thinking heavily on how my actions would effect me the morning after. As much as I wanted to let loose and be careless, I realized that I’m a person with a lot of responsibility and that responsibility is not to be taken lightly.
But here is the part that makes it funny. Despite knowing I had to play it safe, I still managed to go out and have a good time. How you ask? By doing what I’ve been saying all week, “Keeping it classy.” Just a few drinks. Enough to make me walk a little lopsided and laugh a little louder, but not enough to wake up somewhere I’ve never been before.
Blog columnist Michele at the local bar on her 21st birthday with good friend and fellow RA, Arthur
There is no where in any written book that says one can’t have fun while taking their responsibilities and obligations into account. It’s just about finding that balance. Celebrating my 21st with just a few close friends and a couple of drinks. Having my residents bake me a cake while we spent the night in watching Glee. But then getting my homework done and getting into class on time the next morning. Remembering that though fun is key in life, so is taking care of the important things.
I really feel that thanks to my new skills with learning how to balance and the little RA voice in my head reminding me to be a responsible young woman, I was able to have a 21st birthday (that unlike most people I know) I will always remember.
