Twenty-one. You read that right. My (real) ID finally reads that I am able to get in any bar I want to.
For my 21st, irony played its own part. For the first time in my life, I celebrated a birthday in a country where turning 21 doesn’t have the amplitude it does in the U.S. But God has a funny sense of humor and I think that is the best part. I have had more spontaneous and crazy nights before the age 21 than most people have in their entire lifetime. I mean, I like a good time, life’s too short to live a boring life, right
So for this birthday, the most memorable yet, I spent in Florence, Italy, with my mom and 3 of my very best friends. How many people can say they turned 21 in Italy? Not many. This birthday, I focused on some of the most important people in my life and really enjoyed my birthday instead of rushing through it.
As mentioned, I feel like I have lived life as a 21-year-old for about 4 years now. The minute I stepped foot on campus, I did anything I could to get anywhere I wanted. This meant on my second weekend in college, I snuck my way into one of the hardest bars in Madison, RedRock. I simply did not take no for an answer and was perseverant with no room for hesitation.
I was young, having fun, and with everyone, I wanted to be with. But the thing people don’t tell you about growing up, specifically turning 21, is what happens when there are people who can get places and do things that your age prohibits you from doing.
Turning 21 reminded me of how my cousins treat their birthdays. For years I have been hearing them say, “when I turn 9, I can stay up an extra hour before bedtime” or “when I turn 13, I can finally have my own phone”. This year mine was “when I turn 21, I will finally be able to get into Whiskey Jacks”.
Now, the story of Whiskey Jacks is one that I have repeated so many times, I know it better than the alphabet. It involves my persistence biting me in the butt for the 6 months following. I guess having a memorable face isn’t always a good thing, especially when it ends with a flashlight in your eyes, the cops called, and you on the sidewalk outside of the most fun bar while all of your friends are inside.
Apparently, 20-year-old Katie was a little bit dramatic. However, this burning desire to want something so severely makes getting it that much more worthwhile. So whiskey Jacks, I’m coming for you. Legally.
You know what they say, the end of an era leads to the start of an even better one… it’s me… I said that. I think that extra year gave me some extra wisdom. So for anyone reading this, I hope you learn from 20-year-old Katie to laugh at God’s irony, slow down and enjoy where you are now, and be persistent in what you want, even if that leads to being banned from your favorite bar.
sent with emphasis 