Sometimes it really irks me that a lot of my friends or peers get mad when I tell them I can’t go out and party every night.

I’m sorry, but I am a twenty-year-old college student, pursuing both her master’s and her bachelor’s degrees at the same time while maintaining two jobs and a continuous internship. I don’t really have time to waste my life partying and getting drunk every night I can.

I have other priorities before going out to party all night. One of them is to keep myself level-headed, so I ace my college courses and make some money to continue my savings account before college leaves me broke and, hopefully, in an entry-level career.

Now, this is not an insult to those who do party every single night possible while going to school, but it is more like a plea for those who do to not put down those who do not. I should not be considered a “loser” or a “bore” for not wanting to go out drinking and jamming to music in some frat boy’s basement.

Yes, I prefer to stay in my house and watch some Netflix or some YouTube if I’m not spending my time working, studying, or being otherwise responsible.

I have gone out partying before and, for some reason, I despised the entire night. I felt like I was wasting valuable time I could be using to study or sleep during my busy lifestyle. I also felt kind of disgusting being smashed in a crowded basement with ear-piercing music and sweaty people I don’t know rubbing up against me.

But that’s just me, I guess.

I really kind of wish I had the carefree mindset like some do to go out every night with friends and get blackout drunk and crazy, but I am also proud of myself for being so goal-oriented and determined to succeed in school and my work life. I love that some people can succeed in their schoolwork while going out every night, and I applaud those who don’t as well.

We are all very different, but some of us cannot handle going out every night because of the stress of other responsibilities, or the fact of being too tired. Everyone is different, and everyone goes through this weird and stressful time of their life way differently.

I go through it very stressed and constantly getting things done in order to move further towards the finish line of success. This is how I best deal with this time of my young life, but you and your friend might feel differently. That’s fine.

I just wish everyone just understood this instead of putting everyone down.