Four fake IDs later and the day is finally here. You are officially 21. Your 21st birthday is a monumental day. This is the day you have been looking forward to for years now. Seriously, you can go out without having to worry about getting caught or if your ID will work. However, turning 21 is more than just a time for lots of fun, celebration, shots, and shenanigans. Looking back on my two-day celebration, I actually learned a lot in those two days as well.

1. Your friends are seriously amazing.

So many of my friends went out of their way to make this day special for me. From my roommate who spent hours and hours on end making sure my shot book was perfect (which it was) to my one of my college best friends who drove three and a half hours not knowing if she would be able to get into the bar, and everyone in between. People came to this night who I had not seen in forever, and I walked away feeling truly blessed to call all of these people my friends.

2. Your parents are your greatest support system.

While my parents are absolutely terrified that I have actually turned 21, they want the best for you. They did anything and everything to make sure this was everything I could dream of. They did everything they could to make sure everyone was having a good time and got home safe. Special shout out to my mom for the bottle service and my dad, the DD.

3. Have a DD!

This is necessary every night. Take care of it, before the night even starts this night. You do not want to be worrying about this throughout the night.

4. Random strangers will come up to you and wish you happy birthday (and possibly buy you a shot).

Do not be creeped out by this. Embrace it, say thank you, and move on. There are some awesome people in the world, and they really are just excited for you.

5. 21 shots is possible if you do it the right way.

What is the right way you ask? Only drink these shots. You do not need another drink to go along with them, just shots will do the trick. Drink lots of water; I actually brought my own water bottle. Have mixed shots; hard alcohol is not necessary. And lastly, space the shots out; there is no need to take seven in one hour.

6. Do not feel ashamed for how drunk you get.

It's your 21st birthday—everyone has been here before. Everyone will understand, so do not be ashamed. And you'll have tons of friends and family to take care of you.

7. The paper ID is heat sensitive.

Seriously, it is! So if anyone ever questions if your paper ID is real or not, just show them this key feature.

8. Make friends with the DJ and the bouncer.

You'll get free shots, enough said.

9. While the DJ is friendly, the bouncer isn't, but he'll still take a picture with you.

The DJ's job is literally to party, so why not party with him? The bouncer, not so much; but he will at least take a picture with you.

10. Rumple Mintz is 100 proof (oops).

This was my final shot, but hey, go big or go home, right?

11. You'll be stocked up on alcohol for weeks.

Seriously, you'll be covered for a long time. Even though you are legally allowed to by alcohol now, you won't have to.

12. Never question wedges. You can do it.

As intimidating as they might look, you'll look hot, and that's all that matters. So have a little faith in yourself. You can do it.

13. You will not spend any money.

Everyone will be buying your alcohol. If you buy something, you did something wrong.

14. The next day is hell.

But it's totally worth it.

15. You will swear up and down you will not drink for the next week.

But then you'll realize you're 21 and will probably drink a few days later.

16. You will have so many pictures you will not know which to Instagram.

So it's OK to Instagram at least 21 pictures, right?

17. However, you do not have to be worried if there is alcohol in your pictures any more.

While this is true, you should probably make sure there is not alcohol in all of your pictures. People may start to be concerned.

18. Chick-Fil-A does not care if your shot night was Saturday and you need it Sunday. They will still be closed.

No matter how bad you are craving it, Chick-Fil-A is always closed on Sundays. No exceptions, sadly.

19. Someone will probably ask to buy your ID from you that same week.

They've been waiting for you to turn 21 as long as you have.

20. It's OK to be an hour late.

From the hair, the dress, and the makeup, something is bound to happen. And if nothing happens then, you'll probably need a power nap to prepare.

21. It's going to be the time of your life.

So live it up, drink it down, and enjoy your night.