A few weeks ago on January 28, 2022 I turned 21 years old, an age
everyone cannot wait to get to. Turning 21 in the United States means that you
are legally allowed to drink alcohol, and it also means that you are now a real
adult. Being able to now say that I’m 21 years old is the first time I’ve been at an
age that makes me feel old. That makes me happy, being able to be accepted by
society that I am fully an adult, but it also makes me sad because I have to live
on knowing my childhood is over. The expectations and responsibilities for adults
are so much more intense and anxiety-inducing. I have to grocery shop and cook
for myself, as well as work part-time to make money to pay my rent. Even last
week I had to call AAA to help with a flat tire and go to an auto shop to get it
fixed. Ever since turning 21 the girl-bossing has increased to the next level.
On February 15, 2022 I ordered my first legal drink at a restaurant near my
hometown. I was with my parents and grandmother who obviously made a scene
and enjoyed the waitress asking to see my license. It felt weird being able to look
at a drink menu and not feel guilty for looking and thinking that I could potentially
sit at a high-top chair at the bar alongside other people. I just feel like all 5 foot 3
of me sitting at a bar drinking a beer seems comical, but indeed it is something I
can legally do and that freaks me out.
Turning 21 has been exciting and weird, and has already introduced me to
new things as there’s a whole world of bars and drink options I need to
experience. Now I just can’t wait for all of my friends to have their birthdays!