Dear those who people refer to as "straightedges,"

I have never been inclined to drink, party, or get involved in the whole “party” scene. I am the girl that has absolutely nothing against partying and drinking, but has no intention or inclination to drink myself.

The sole amount of times I have been told that the second I get to college, I am going to want to drink is a number I can no longer count on my fingers and toes. Yes, maybe that’s true for someone who had no inclination to drink in high school, but from someone who has known I am not interested in that scene, it does not take away from the “college experience.” Drinking or not drinking does not determine whether college is fun.

There are nights in college or in high school where friends sit around and talk about anything and nothing. There are nights that friends go out adventuring around campus, or nights that everyone sits around and has a drink while watching dumb shows on Netflix. I have been in all of those situations, making countless memories with my best friends. And did I have to pick up a bottle of wine or a can of beer to do it? No. Did my friends ever question why I didn’t want to drink? Not at all.

Drinking is not something that is “needed,” to have the “college experience.” Yes, I have been around my friends when they drink and being sober does not make situations any less fun. Sometimes, having a dorm to myself to binge watch my favorite show and get some quality time and sleep to myself, is just what I need to regenerate for the next day, plus getting the scoop of the crazy drunk adventures my friends had that night, is hilarious.

So no, I am not a “straightedge” or some boring, criticizing name that establishes me as something different because I choose not to drink. No one turned their head at the thought of being friends with someone who doesn’t drink.

For those who may think they’re not into the “party scene,” I promise, that doesn’t mean you are the “weird” one in the dorm. Be you, do you, and don’t be afraid to just say “hey no thanks I don’t drink.” Because then you can be the one in the driver seat, a part of the crazy adventures, but not uncomfortable doing something you didn’t want to do.

My freshman year was nothing short of crazy, fun, and memorable. And I did not ever have one sip to drink. So, from a “straightedge” as some people have referred to me, I am nothing less than a person who has a reason behind her actions. To the people who feel they do not want to drink, don’t. To the people that do, do. Do you.

Sincerely,

The “straightedge”