I Don't Drink. So What?
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Don't Drink. So What?

Just because I find joy in different things than you doesn't make me any less of a person.

36
I Don't Drink. So What?
Macon Party Bus

When people talk about drinking or partying or the "college" lifestyle with me, their jaws tend to drop when I tell them I don't take part in any of that. And then they try to convince me that "everyone does it" in college, and I will too. But I don't have any desire to take part in the "college" lifestyle. So what? Does that make me any less of a person or any less of a college student? The answer is no.

I've never liked alcohol, and I've never liked parties. I've watched underage drinking destroy the lives of a lot of people I grew up with before their lives even really began. Friends have gone to the hospital with alcohol poisoning and gotten themselves into trouble with the police — just to drink and go to parties. I didn't get it, and I still don't get it.

For a while, I tried to convince myself that in order to have friends I needed to partake in drinking and parties. I told myself that to be happy and not be a "loser" I had to involve myself in things I really didn't believe in. How stupid is that? I literally thought that if I gave up my morals then I'd have a lot of friends. But what's more important? Your morals or fake friends?

I understand that I'm the minority of college students. I understand that because I don't drink I'm looked at a little differently by a lot of people. But I would never try and tell someone how to live their life by telling them, "Oh, you shouldn't drink."

Everyone is totally entitled to live their life how they choose to live it. For that reason, I don't care at all if people my age drink. But why do people care that I don't? Why am I looked at so differently because I don't like parties or alcohol? For the record, I'm not missing out on the "college experience" by not drinking or partying. I'm taking my college experience into my own hands and doing with it what I believe is right for me. And what's right for me isn't right for everyone and that's totally OK. But I'll never understand why the idea of a "college experience" filled with alcohol and drugs is forced upon students. Especially when that's not for everyone.

So, to the high school and college students out there who don't drink, I feel you. It's awkward and it's annoying when you tell people you don't drink and you're looked at like you just said: "I hate puppies." Understand that everyone's path is different. What's right for person A may not be what's right for person B. And that's OK. Do what you believe is right, and you will be happy. Who cares what anyone else thinks?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53714
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34559
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957011
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181712
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments