“Hey I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22.” Until Taylor Swift came out this “stuck in your head” song, nobody really thought much about birthdays in college besides the big 2-1. Celebrating your 21st birthday is always a night you will “never forget” as you are finally legal. Whether you take a picture in front of the clock at MA’s, have a friend throw a party for you at their off-campus house or celebrate it abroad (like I did, which I must say was a bit anticlimactic), everyone seems to make a big deal out of their 21st birthday. I have heard plenty of people joke saying, “It’s all down hill from here” when it comes to birthdays but I refuse to believe them. Every birthday counts! Whether it was when I was 12, 21 or today on my 22nd birthday, I have ALWAYS made a big deal about celebrating my day of birth. I suggest that everyone embrace this mentality, even when you are old and gray because it is a day to remind yourself how fabulous you have been, are and are yet to be.
So in honor of this special day, I want to let all our HC BC readers know that it’s okay to celebrate big for your birthday even when you are not 21. During your college years, your 19th, 20th and 22nd birthdays should not be overshadowed; every year should be a time to celebrate with your closest friends! Wear that sash and think you are a princess, ask for drinks, have your cake and eat it too, go out to a great dinner with all your friends, treat yourself to a special gift and celebrate your day of birth. You are fabulous and therefore embrace the day that celebrates you!
Even when it is not your 21st, it is still okay to do this on your birthday:
Wake up, turn your roommate and remind them…
Get excited when you can use your “Free Starbucks Drink” reward.
Dance in front of the mirror before you go out like this as you put on that perfect outfit you put aside just for your birthday night.
Check your Facebook to see how many notifications you have for birthday wishes (even if some are from complete strangers.)
Get excited with all your friends about the plans you have for your special day.
Treat yourself that special item you’ve had waiting in your online shopping cart for months.
Anxiously await all the birthday cards from relatives.
Enjoy all the simple luxuries in life.
Dance to your favorite throwback songs with all your friends like nobody is watching.
Get excited when you see the waiters coming over to your table with a dessert and candles as you are out to dinner with friends.
Make sure all toasts are in your honor.
Feel like a celebrity when everyone wishes you a birthday around campus (even though most of them only know it’s your birthday because you are friends on Facebook.)
And (subtly) remind everyone who doesn’t wish you a Happy Birthday what today is.
Indulge in all the desserts your Pinterest-savvy friends have baked you and NOT feel guilty about it.
Daydream about moments like these!
Answer affirmatively as your friends (or complete strangers) offer to buy you drinks.
Embrace the attention from your crush when they wish you at a happy birthday.
Don’t let one moment of your birthday pass by without feeling fabulous.
Special shout-out to HC BC Campus Correspondent, my best friend and my twin sister Meghan on your special day as well. Never let that birthday spirit fade!