Let’s get it out of the way in the very first sentence: we all know we’re worth more than a party school and that our scholastic endeavors are first and foremost, but, still, Ohio University has been singled out as an exemplary party school. That being said, we take our bustling social calendar very seriously.
We embrace the house parties, the frat parties, the small get-togethers and the quarterly Dave Rave events, but the most special party for many OU students is the 21st birthday bash – especially if it happens to be your own.
It’s the magic number, the password for every bar and alcohol purchase. With too many days to count until a 21stbirthday, some undergraduates may find themselves wondering about their turn to exchange their driver’s license with that goofy 16-year-old image for a much-coveted sideways ID.
“It’s awesome being 21,” says Carla Bober, a senior studying health services administration. “Ohmygosh,” she continues, “I still get excited that I can go to the bars.”
As the last to turn 21 in her group of friends with a June birthday, Carla was eager to hit the bar scene. Out at midnight the night before to take full advantage of her new legal status, the next three nights were spent at the bars followed by a party.
These days Carla is busy with school and an internship but still has her fun on the weekends, especially without the fear of an underage. Zach York, a junior studying business, also agrees that not worrying about underage troubles is quite the perk.
Zach, who spent his mid-July birthday celebrating at Country Concert, had already encountered alcohol-related woes as a freshman.
“Like I thought I was going to get kicked out of college because the dean of students used a lot of scare tactics,” Zach says.
Since joining the legal-to-consume club, Zach has increased his bottle collection considerably. Clear bottles, green bottles and two bottles that mysteriously glow underneath a black light. He says they’re filled with highlighters.
He also says that he spends more money on alcohol and more time at the bars but that can be expected. Zach’s in good company with all but one of his roommates being legal, but it’s not always easy to go to the bars with an underage friend in tow. If the roommate can’t get in then they find a different venue for the evening’s activities.
Buffalo Wild Wings is one such alternative for junior video production major Megan Currie. With her group of friends from home being split into underage and legal, she tries to suggest places where alcohol is served for the thirsty half and the forcibly dry counterparts can still indulge in the social fanfare.
This extra planning doesn’t bother Megan and neither does skipping the bars.
“I’m a grandma,” she jokes as she cradles the orange coffee cup in her hand. “I’m not an avid bar-goer.”
Don’t let her nonchalance fool you; this girl is far from boring. She spent her 21stat a wedding reception followed by a birthday party the next weekend in Athens, complete with jungle juice.
Ringing in her legality, Sarah Clark, a senior studying public advocacy, celebrated in Athens, indulging in the buzz of students returning for fall quarter. She says that being 21 doesn’t have an effect on her Ohio University experience but is excited to drink with her family on the next vacation when they dine out.
“I was always restrained on family vacations,” she says. At a comedy club where the audience was drinking she says it was frustrating because “I couldn’t have a beer.”
In short her time isn’t monopolized by drinking – a sentiment shared by Megan, Zach and Carla.
“Grandma status,” Megan says again in that she doesn’t drink as much.
So may we all age gracefully, celebrate in style, stumble during a 21stbirthday shuffle in sweet Athens and live to remember pleasant flashes of the night. For some this birthday may mark the middle of a college career and for others the end.
For Sarah, turning 21 was the end of an era.
“It marks being a grown-up – almost, if you can handle the freedom.”
Photo courtesy of Google