A Letter from the Editor: Happy 21st Birthday

Junior year of college begins a new chapter of your life. You know people this year, all the hot spots, and most importantly, you probably turn 21. Although turning 21 means legal access to bars, kegs, and copious amounts of alcohol, it is also an age to enter your future. It’s important we remember at this age our life after SJU is shortly upon us.  So, enjoy your 21st and remember that only better times are coming.

This weekend I celebrated my 21st birthday, and so did Alpha Phi President and SJU senior, Kerry Dawson. I sat down with Kerry and asked her about her birthday, what she liked the most, and what she will always remember. Then, I compared our experiences. We both came up the same conclusion: It was a weekend that reminded us how truly loved we are by friends and family. This is a feeling we sometimes over look with our busy schedules.  But, reflecting on the weekend, we realized that we’ve come so far in our experience at SJU and our personal relationships have only grown stronger.  It was a weekend that reminded us that change is upon us, but in a great way.

Here was Kerry’s experience:

I thought that not turning 21 until October of my senior year would be the longest and most painful wait of my life.  But it ended up being a night that would go down in history and never be forgotten.  I decided to host a pre-party at my Manayunk house so that my parents and the younger girls in Alpha Phi would be able to celebrate with me!  After that I had to use my new privileges of going to the bars!  The best and my absolute favorite part of the night was when best friends burst into my house with the greatest birthday card of all time.  It was a decorated birthday sign in the shape of a “21” with a list of 21 things I had to complete by the end of my night! My best friends making that and spending the entire night with me was the greatest gift I have ever received.  I have never felt more loved in my life; and  that is a feeling and a moment that I will never forget.  I came into SJU at 17 years old and I will be leaving it as a 21 year old.  These four years have flown by but I have developed the most amazing friendships with so many people that I love and care for so much.  I will never forget how much fun I had, how many laughs I shared, and how loved I felt on the night of my 21st birthday!

I have to say that my I felt the same way as Kerry. I can’t remember the last time I had a birthday that fun, and memorable. My birthday was on Sunday, but we celebrated at my house the Saturday night before. My roommates surprised me with cake, a beautifully decorated house, presents, and so many fun memories. I too, was made a “21” sign. I ended up doing only three things on the list, but either way it was really fun to wear. My friends from home came to celebrate, and even friends came from Manayunk to our house on Woodcrest. We know it’s not fun going back and forth, so I was extremely thankful.

Michelle Allen, our Her Campus treasurer, commented on her 21st that was on September 16th and said it was her favorite birthday. “I had people at my house before, and then we went to Kiladres. It was great. You wait so long to turn 21 so it is so much fun”. 

Here are a few original ideas I’ve gathered for your 21st:

1. Have a party for yourself. It’s only one night.

2. Make a checklist to complete at the bar.

3. Invite your parents to drink with you and your roommates.

4. Start your after college bucket list. 

5. Set one goal to complete by the end of the year.

6. Go to the liquor store and start a flash mob.

7. Face one major fear. 

8. Drink something you’ve never had before.

9. Enter in a contest.

10. Tell your family you love them.

Overall, if you’re going to celebrate any birthday, 21 is the time to do it. Go big, have fun, and be safe. Remember that the next day you are officially 21, and then 22…and then college is over. The only good news is: you can officially look forward to office happy hours. 

Cheers!

HCXO

Lexie

• 21st Birthday