There are some things that no amount of Pinterest tips and college advice articles can prepare you for. The college party scene just happens to be one.
First of all, may I just say, I am by no means a drinker. In my brain, beer is the equivalent of gasoline. It's an indigestible, toxic liquid that tastes like absolute crap.
In addition to my lack of affinity for alcohol, I find it extremely unappealing to be "the sober one" who ends up babysitting her drunkard "friends" the whole night.
It's my choice not to attend frat parties. It's my choice not to drink. It's my choice to be the so called "sober one". However, just because I made those choices doesn't mean they weren't difficult.
Not drinking can be extremely socially isolating sometimes.. Who am I kidding? More like most of the time.
Even on a campus of 30,000 students, a lot of people attend frat parties religiously every weekend, especially the freshman. If you don't attend parties with people from your floor or classes, you end up missing out on invitations to other things throughout the week.
Many people assume if you aren't willing to attend those nights of getting drunk and sweaty in the basement of a frat, you're not a fun person to be around. I would say that isn't the case.
While my peers are out at frat parties, I'm in my dorm room writing, watching movies, talking with my long distance friends, or hanging out with my (real) college friends.
Instead of going out to parties, I'm attending events and club meetings, or going to a concert.
Instead of spending my Saturdays nursing hangovers or doing the walk-of-shame, I'm out and about in the city or exploring the counties surrounding Philadelphia.
I'm not the type to sit in my room and be bored. I like to go out and have fun. There is just one simple thing I will not do...drink.
No matter how one tries to persuade me.. I will not drink to make "friends".
I will not drink to have a "good social life".
I will not drink because "it will make me have a better time".
I will not drink because everyone else is doing it.
I will not drink because I am more than a stumbling girl with no filter hanging out in a random basement.
I'm more than that, and you are too.