The party was her scene. She had discussed the future destination this Friday night with her friends all week,
clashing on which invite they would accept and adhere to. And when Friday finally plowed in, she was more than ecstatic. Certainly it would be another enjoyable night. It was finally here and nothing was stopping her from having the time of her life. Walking in, she quickly adjusted to the volume of the music and the herds of people everywhere, in every corner and space available. A few friends by her side dancing and a drink in her hand, she was content with how the night was progressing. The drink tingled when it hit her lips and it left her in a state of satisfaction that even she couldn’t describe.

Getting buzzed was her buddy.

But it isn’t mine.

I know what you’re expecting right now. A naive student who is blind to what's surrounding her. The young adult who is oblivious to each angle of what is going on and is instead here to sit behind a computer screen and tell you about how she’s never gotten drunk or done anything of that nature. Someone who is instead going to lecture you about how disgusting getting tipsy is.

I will let you know right here, right now that yes, I told myself that I wouldn’t consume an alcoholic beverage until I was at least 21. That’s not because I think it’s gross (I’ve never tasted it, how would I know the taste?) or am entirely appalled by the idea of breaking the law. I just looked myself in the mirror long ago and said, “Don’t do it, bro,” and that was that. It doesn’t mean I think I’m stronger or in more control than those who do drink. I just don’t want to. It’s that simple.

You were thinking I’d go all goodie two shoes on you right? Well, think again.

I’m familiar with what goes on around me whether it be at a college party or a group hangout with several friends. There should be no blinders when it comes to witnessing each moment on the walk of life.

You don’t need to drink to have a good time but you don’t need to judge those who choose to. Of course, there’s being in control when drinking and well, neglecting to be in control, both of which are done frequently.

You see, getting blackout drunk and not remembering a single thing does not happen every time you decide to drink. It’s all a choice on your part; a decision much more complex involving you telling yourself what to properly do that night. Just like picking up an alcoholic beverage is also a choice. These choices make up what we are.

However, we are not always defined by our choices.

They make up our everyday moments but we can’t let them construct us completely. We are defined by how we learn from our actions and move onto a better tomorrow. Despite everyone saying otherwise, we are judged by others on our choices, but that’s completely different than defining. The art of who we are and what people think we are are two different things.

You see, I was taught something many years ago. Upon seeing something, you think two things. The first thing that pops into your brain is what society has built you to think:

“Eww, what is that girl wearing.” See? Society.

The second thing is what you actually think:

“You know what? Who cares. If she wants to rock that outfit, she will and she will do it greatly.” See? This is you.

Just like this:

“Eww, why are people drinking?” (Society, bro.)

“You know what? She is having the time of her life. I just hope she continues to have fun and stays somewhat safe.” (That’s me, and hopefully you too.)

Telling a bunch of college students that something is illegal and wrong will not stop them from doing it, especially when it is something that they find fun in doing. They find a thrill in doing what they are told they can’t do. There seems to be a fine line between do and don’t, but the gray area will always remain. Why? Because every person you meet is different. We all have different stories. Nonetheless, we are asked to make the same choice whether or not we come from the same locations or have the same ideal background.

Chances are you and I will make many different choices in our lifetime. That’s why we are different, unique, beautiful. Human beings aren’t made to venture along the same path. That’s the power of living.

You and I will choose completely different ends of the spectrum many times but that doesn’t mean that one is better than the other. In a sense, it may be (especially when it comes to the law), but in no way should I disrespect you or look down on you for thinking different and feeling different than me. I wasn’t taught to wag a finger in your face and tell you how to live your life. I’m not you and you’re not me. That’s the beauty of it.

Many drink to gain that feeling of being buzzed; a state of feeling nothing but happiness (so I have heard; I wouldn’t know). Others drink to flush away their problems and state of worry no matter what it may be. For those, however many hours, they are safe from whatever guilt or constant fear they are hiding from. Some even drink because their greatest of friends do it. Their closest of buds crave the drink in their hands and so they do, too. Several will feel peer pressured to do it while others will happily grab several because the feeling is calming. With all the stress of the school workload and life itself, this is somehow a solution. Sometimes, different things make people happy.

Whatever it may be, everyone has a different reason for it. I’m not justifying it for anyone who does so nor am I saying what is right or wrong. That’s for you to decide. It’s your story and your situation to act yourself, though. No two people are at that party with the same exact story. And we’ve all preached about not judging someone, especially when we don’t know their situation.

You see, eating a cookie makes me very happy. You know those chocolate chip cookies that are just out of the oven and all gooey in the middle? But you don’t see me eating so many cookies that I’m throwing them up within a few hours time. I know my limit.

That’s the key factor in this whole issue. You don’t need alcohol to make you happy or to have a great time in my head but I don’t know what lies in your head. All I know is that you’re going to do what you want to do no matter what I type here in this article.

All I hope is that whatever you choose, it’s something safe that makes you proud of yourself and your night, even if it’s a different choice than mine.