18 and Never Been Drunk

By Gabriella Pullano

We are all trying so hard to figure out the “adult” thing. Every single one of us, whether we want to admit it or not, is terrified of failing. We are afraid that in a few years we won’t be able to have the time of our lives anymore. We’re scared that we won’t be able to go out really late, or do stupid stuff and come out of it with nothing but a great story and a couple of bruises. We are all starting to realize that now, and more so in a few years, our actions will have irreversible consequences.

No one signs up for the stress and struggle that comes along with growing up. It’s a fact that life will suck some days and that it will only get harder as we get older. I think it’s because of that fact that drinking is such a necessity to college students. We all want to live in the moment. Alcohol can help us forget about everything and numb the realities of life, for as long as we need it to.

We can forget about our homework or that test we are stressing over. Forget that we are broke; even though we just spent the last money we had on a handle. What good does it do to use this intoxicating liquid we call “alcohol,” to get us to a place where we don’t have to worry anymore? Don’t you want to have the control to say that you were able to turn down the noises of reality and turn up the liveliness of the night on your own, without something as momentary as a drink?

I’m 18 years old and I have never been drunk.

There’s nothing wrong with me; I’m not against it and I’m not an introvert. I love to have a good time and go to parties, but because of stereotypes and stigmas I am “weird,” “missing out” and sometimes a “loser.” I am the permanent D.D. and the honorary “mom” of my friend group. While it is something that I’m proud to admit, it’s also one of my biggest insecurities. I am often judged, and others question me because finding a sober college student at a house party or a bar is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Perhaps it’s because I’ve watched drinking from an outside perspective for so long that I’ve completely lost interest. I have seen the worst of what it can do to people. I know that with every drunken night comes a hung over morning, and I care about my liver way too much to want that. I know that there are others out there who have never been drunk. I haven’t met many of them yet, but I bet that just like me, they keep their innocence of alcohol a secret to protect themselves from judgment.

I have never wanted “getting drunk” to be the only way I know of having the greatest nights of my life. I have met so many people who are awkward and don’t know how to have a good time unless they are intoxicated. I want to remember every single detail about my life, so that I can look back and be 100 percent positive when I say that I have no regrets. It’s OK to pre-game, get turnt or thrive off of the search of the most live party of the night, but it should be done in moderation.

Alcohol should not be on your list of priorities, especially if you’re underage and trying to pursue a career in the real world. Understand that any success worth having in life is only obtained through hard work and focus. If the only reason you have for drinking is to celebrate your youthfulness, then it’s time for you to do some serious reassessing of your life choices. Save your excitement for the future. You can drink as many beers as you want and have a shot (of whatever gets your party going) once you’re an accomplished adult, with experience behind you and a real reason to celebrate.

Right now, it’s all just one big escape, a way to forget, a way to be physically present, but mentally absent. I challenge you to be sober for a night and to have a great time. I challenge you to find your escape from stress in something other than alcohol. I challenge you to work your ass off in school, to achieve your goals and to make yourself proud.

Gabriella Pullano is a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University. Writing is something she is very passionate about, and iced coffee, intellectual conversation, and good music are what keep her going.