Transitioning from age 20 to age 21 is a different experience for different students.
Oct. 15, 2014 was the big day for junior education major Jessica Austin where reaching the desired age of 21 opened to doors to a different type of social life.
“You’re still celebrating your birthday and it’s still a big celebration but the only difference is that you can now drink,” Austin said. “I think it’s more of a socializing thing.”
For Austin turning 21 years old has not been a major deal but others may feel differently.
Junior business administration major Bridget Wagner turned 21-years-old as the fall semester came to a close on Dec. 5, 2014. From time-to-time she enjoys experiencing the independence of turning 21 with her friends.
“[My social life] did change a little bit because I am now able to go out to different places that I could not go to before,” Wagner said.
With roommates that are not yet 21 years old, a night out would mean having to leave some friends who have yet to reach their 21st birthdays behind for both students.
Austin said that she hasn’t noticed much difference between her life after turning 21 where heading for a night out with the girls is a possible plan.
“I personally don’t really go out. I just kind of hang out with my friends,” Austin said. “I do go out when I go home because my friends are 21.”
Wagner on the other hand has enjoyed the ability to venture out with her friends who are old enough to go out, but she does not always feel the need to go out in order to have fun.
“We don’t mind having a night in to watch movies and to hang out, but we also enjoy going out to different bars,” Wagner said.
Austin said she preferred to find something else to do because of leaving friends behind that are not old enough to go out and also because it can become a hassle to determine who will be the designated driver for the night. Although someone under age could become a chauffeur for the group, it’s not an idea that Austin has found appealing.
Wagner has experienced having to decide between leaving her younger roommates and friends behind or deciding not to use the freedom that comes with turning 21 years old.
“It is hard having roommates that are younger because if you want to go out to a place that is 21 and over they can’t go,” Wagner said. “They either have to stay back or we choose a different thing to do.”
This does not mean that students who have turned 21 years old never go out, just that some are choosing to do go out for a night at the bar less so that they can have fun with all of their friends.
“I like to include all of my friends,” Austin said. “I don’t really like to leave anybody behind.”
