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My First Birthday Away From Home

How I celebrated my 21st birthday in a not so common way.

Olivia Bressi-Harman

Dec 06, 2016

Arcadia University

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This week I celebrated my 21st birthday. This was the first time I have ever not been home for my birthday, which was definitely difficult for me. As I have written about before, I am an only child and have a very close relationship with my parents. I am that person who celebrates my birthday all month long; I have a birthday month, not a day.

Returning to school the day before my birthday was definitely a strange feeling. It almost didn’t feel like my birthday. I spent that day unpacking, cleaning and finishing everything I ignored over break. I don't believe in doing work over Thanksgiving break, it's a break not time for work.

Even though it wasn't my actual birthday, we all know 21st birthday celebrations begin the night before. I hadn't planned on going out, but that night my friends invited me over for a wine and game night in their apartment. My friend picked me up from my room on campus. Still not expecting anything birthday related, she opened the door to her apartment and the lights were off which was odd since we were all getting together. Then, all of a sudden...

The lights came on and everyone popped out from nowhere. While I am now convinced I am the most gullible person ever to live, I was truly shocked. Even though there were so many signs that this was going to happen, I had absolutely no idea. From a teal colored cake (my favorite color), to wine, and games, the night could not have been better.

For my first birthday away from home, it was truly one of the best birthdays I have ever had. Needless to say, since my birthday is often on Thanksgiving break, I never really have had big parties, and definitely not a surprise party.

The day of my actual birthday was great too, with tons of birthday wishes and gifts from so many people. Even though I missed my parents, we had celebrated earlier and my friends really helped made me forget that I wasn't home. Cancelled class, awesome dinners, and thoughtful messages, the whole week has been great and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Even though I may not have celebrated the way a lot of people celebrate their 21st, and I still haven't been out yet, I had a perfect time. This week has really opened my eyes to how much I have to be grateful for and I just want to say a big thank you again to everyone who made this week so special.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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