From the very start of the college application process, I knew that this was a party school. I never knew the extent to which it was, though, until I got there. Within the first few minutes of orientation, people were discussing which bars to go to, where parties would be held and what they would wear. For me, it was definitely a culture shock, as I am 19 years old and I have never, not once, had even a sip of alcohol. And I was terrified.

I was scared that I would never find people who felt the same way. I was scared that I would spend all four years sitting in my room by myself. It’s not that I am against alcohol entirely. As long as people are safe and responsible about it, I believe everyone should be allowed to make their own decisions. For me, it is a personal choice.

Everyone keeps telling me that these are the best years of our lives. The years we will look back on when we are old and gray with a smile. I, personally, would like to remember those years.

To me, a fun night doesn’t include dancing with sloppy drunk girls. It does not include witnessing people drink to the point of illness (or, potentially, worse). It does not include making dumb decisions or watching my friends make them.

I would much prefer a night driving around with my closest friends, singing along to our favorite songs. I would rather have nights of binge watching Friends or having a movie marathon. I would put a night of exploring the city we are in and taking advantage of the different opportunities it offers over a night of exploring party houses.

If these are truly the best years of our lives, I want them to be full of good memories, that I will actually remember for the rest of my life. I want to remember how it felt to take on new and old adventures with my very best friends.

I was scared in the beginning that my choice to not drink in college would limit my social opportunities. Luckily, however, that couldn't be further from the truth. There are amazing people who are in the library Sunday through Thursday and like to unwind with partying. They are doing well and enjoying themselves, and that is awesome. For me though, it just isn't what I want. And if you feel the same way, I promise you, it isn't as big of a deal as you think it is. You will meet fantastic people who share the same values as you, and likewise people that don't. Being sober at a party school can be scary, but if I let that fear deter me from going to my beautiful little party school, I would have missed out on the greatest opportunity of my life.