2008 Woodie Awards
Turning 21: When it's finally okay to lose your fake ID
Arielle Sobov
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Life/styles
In the lives of American college students, one of the best moments is finally turning 21. Most people plan this night to be memorable, by not remembering it. And who says birthday parties have to stop after your 10 birthday? This is certainly a case for a party.
People spend their 21st birthdays doing different things, but all seem to follow a similar pattern: having drinks with people who matter the most. A 21st birthday can be split into three parts: the night before at midnight, the night of the actual birthday and then the next morning recovering.
Whether celebrating at home or at school, the night before is usually quieter and more meaningful. Steve Black, a senior entrepreneurship major, spent the midnight before with one of his best friends at T.G.I Fridays.
Dave Palley, a senior IDD major, had a quiet night as well. "I went out to dinner with my mom the night before," he said.
Midnight the night before should be reserved for a few close friends or family for the memorable initial hours of being 21. Also, this will save energy for the next night. Head out to a smaller bar that won't be too crowded, so you can enjoy your night with the most important people to you. Try to save the craziness for the next night.
There are multiple options for the actual night of your birthday. Some people spend it at home, while others spend it at school.
"I was home for my 21st," said Black, who spent the night of his birthday at a party at his friend's house. "All my friends were there," he said. "Why spend the money at a bar when your friend has an amazing house?"
House parties are always a good option for turning 21. There is no need to worry about designated drivers, it costs less money and is much more personal.
If you want your 21st birthday party to be bigger than a house party, there are, of course, other options. Palley spent his birthday at school.
"At first we drank at someone's house and then we went to Side Street," he said.
People spend their 21st birthdays doing different things, but all seem to follow a similar pattern: having drinks with people who matter the most. A 21st birthday can be split into three parts: the night before at midnight, the night of the actual birthday and then the next morning recovering.
Whether celebrating at home or at school, the night before is usually quieter and more meaningful. Steve Black, a senior entrepreneurship major, spent the midnight before with one of his best friends at T.G.I Fridays.
Dave Palley, a senior IDD major, had a quiet night as well. "I went out to dinner with my mom the night before," he said.
Midnight the night before should be reserved for a few close friends or family for the memorable initial hours of being 21. Also, this will save energy for the next night. Head out to a smaller bar that won't be too crowded, so you can enjoy your night with the most important people to you. Try to save the craziness for the next night.
There are multiple options for the actual night of your birthday. Some people spend it at home, while others spend it at school.
"I was home for my 21st," said Black, who spent the night of his birthday at a party at his friend's house. "All my friends were there," he said. "Why spend the money at a bar when your friend has an amazing house?"
House parties are always a good option for turning 21. There is no need to worry about designated drivers, it costs less money and is much more personal.
If you want your 21st birthday party to be bigger than a house party, there are, of course, other options. Palley spent his birthday at school.
"At first we drank at someone's house and then we went to Side Street," he said.
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