Drinking in college is seen in American culture as a rite of passage.

You finally have freedom and your parents aren't watching everything you do. If you're me though, drinking in college gave you more anxiety than it was really worth.

Coming into college Freshman year, I thought that in order to be cool or make friends you needed to drink and when I didn't get invited to parties or make friends who were into drinking, I thought I was weird or there was something wrong with me.

Over the past 3 years I have realized that you don't need to drink in college to have fun. Don't get me wrong, I drank in college but it typically consisted of me sipping wine while watching Parks & Rec with my roommate.

This past week I turned 21 and for a lot of my friends it was a big deal! They were so excited for me and couldn't wait to go to the bar. I, on the other hand, was excited for my birthday, but the fact that it was my 21st wasn't the most exciting thing in the world. I was more excited for a day all about me!

I took part in the normal 21-year-old festivities, and for all of my fellow Susquehanna students you know that meant I went to BJs and I took my blowjob shot. It was the most embarrassing and fun thing I have ever done.

Afterwards I went to the Bots, I enjoyed my tray of beer, and one of my friends walked me home all the way to the third floor of my building. Needless to say, I have taken part in my rite of passage. I turned 21 and I lived to tell the story.

Having the experience of turning 21 and having the freedom now to drink when I want to isn't all that it is hyped up to be. To be quite honest, for someone like me who doesn't go to parties, I have accepted that I can still have fun on campus, I still don't need to drink and I am perfectly okay with that!