One of the rites of passage for almost every college student is attending a college party at some point during their time at college. While movies and TV shows portray college parties as wild, alcohol-and-drug-filled orgies, that's not (always) the case. Of course, many college parties do involve the presence of alcohol and sometimes drugs as well, but there are also plenty of college parties that can be just gatherings with friends, dance parties, or even just events with good food and music.
During my first week of orientation, there were many students I knew who said they were going to frat parties. My Snapchat feed was full of loud music, sweaty bodies, and drunken teenagers for a whole weekend. So when I finally received an invitation to my first college party, I was pretty apprehensive about how things would turn out. The fact that I received an invite simply from a forwarded message telling black freshmen about the party made me question it even more. However, it was nice knowing that there would be a party for freshmen, and especially us black freshmen to get to know each other in the midst of a predominantly white institution. Besides, classes hadn't officially started just yet and I was still trying to meet new people, so I was feeling bold enough to check it out that weekend. I went with two other friends of mine, and once the party got into full swing, I started seeing so many other black freshmen and upperclassmen that I had met or seen before. It was a little uncomfortable because of all the students being squished in close quarters and practically dancing on each other, and it was extremely hot with all the sweaty bodies crammed into such a small space. However, I had a fun time and was glad to have gone.
The best part of the party was that it actually felt like a party-at least what I hoped a party would be like. There was plenty of dancing and fun, great music, and the best part, there was no alcohol. Sure, some students may have pregamed, but the party itself didn't involve the presence of alcohol at any point. Everyone there was just having a good time; some might have been a little tipsy, but for the most part everyone was just dancing and singing along to the music. It felt nice being in such a fun environment without feeling the social pressure of drugs, alcohol, or sex. For some people, that's their thing and that's their way of having a good time. But for me, I'm fine as long as there is good music, some friends, and fun dancing. All of those components were there at the party that night.
Once I got back to my dorm, I was exhausted and hot from all the dancing. But I felt so happy to have had so much fun at the party, and I was already looking forward to more events like that one. I think for me personally, it was also great just being surrounded by people similar to me-it was a way for all of us black students to take a break from the societal pressures and burdens that surround us, and that party created a space for us to be ourselves. It was ok to be loud; it was ok to twerk; it was ok to listen to rap and hip hop; it was ok to sweat out our natural styles and perms. I felt a sense of belonging and already knew I would have a system of support from the black community on campus. As for the party aspect, it was "lit." I enjoyed myself, and I am certainly looking forward to more college parties like that. I can have plenty of fun being sober; I just have to find the right party environments.
