Wine bottle. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

On the eve of my 21st birthday I find myself frustrated. I’m angered by the stereotypes about turning 21. A number doesn’t have to mean I’ll be buzzed out of my mind. Cake will be served, the Superbowl will be on, and I will enjoy this alcohol free event.

According to society’s rules February 2nd will turn me into a complete adult. Legal for alcohol consumption, but I won’t be drunk. Alcohol doesn’t equal maturity anyways, but many people seem to disagree with that statement. I share a birthday with my twin sister and we will both take part in a new trend. It’s called the sober 21 trend, and I’m in love with this movement.

Drinking doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but it has hurt people in my family. Many people know that struggle and have had to deal with much worse than me. My experiences haven’t made me anti alcohol though, I just don’t want to drink. Anyone who does want to drink is ok in my book, I just hope they have limits. At the very least they won’t receive any condescending comments from me.

Judgment is not something I’m into when it comes to alcohol. This makes it even harder when I’m the one being judged. Some people really don’t agree with an alcohol free lifestyle. For me it’s something I’ve never been into. While other high school/college students wanted to “go hard” at a party I just wanted soda and pizza. Maybe some hackey sack and a good movie. Something about simple and safe things attracted me more than picking my poison.

I probably won’t avoid alcohol forever. That task is beyond daunting. However, that doesn’t mean I will be in a relationship with Jack Daniel’s or Bud Light. My 21st birthday will break all the rules, but not because of broken records for how bombed a person can be. The third will not be spent hungover because February 2nd will only include immature activities. For now I’m giving the cold shoulder to those oh so mature beverages that contain alcohol.

-Katelyn Avery