Symbolized by the red solo cup with which whose contents are masked is the college party. Toasting, celebrating, and embracing this symbol is a group. By no means is this group small for it is a congregation compose of people of all backgrounds, fields of study, and of all shapes and sizes. They gather in the confines of a home to take part in their weekend ritual of dancing and drinking under the shadow of looming danger.

To the average college student, such is a depiction of fun. It is a depiction of the weekend party scene that so many students look forward to after a long week. Of course I understand and appreciate other’s fancying such a social setting. It is said to allow individuals to blow off steam or let loose; however, that does not undermine the promotion of problems. Alternatively, the setting is founded on the premise of underage drinking. It is a danger threatening one’s status academically and legally if caught. It is a danger physically facilitating fights, sexual misconduct, and general harm at the expense of intoxication . . . at the expense of a good time.

Bearing all of this in mind, I declare the traditional party is not for me, and that is okay.

What is even worse is the stigma surrounding the college student who is disinterested in the party scene or even the college student who simply abstains from drinking. They are belittled, mocked, and coerced. All too often we hear, "Why not?" and no answer to this question is received well. Even more so is how party goers accuse nonparty goers of the fear of missing out. But are we really missing out if we actively are not interested in going? No. Honestly, what it boils down to is that we, the nonparty goer, feel unaccepted because the only unifying factor for many is the desire to go out on a Thirsty Thursday night. Just because we do not like going out and just because we don’t drink doesn’t make us less of people. It is just one aspect we do not have in common with the majority. For some, it is medical reasons, others commitment in a relationship, and finally it’s just not for some people. And yet, aren’t people more than their preference to drink or not?

To me, a party does not need the presence of red solo cups, intoxication, or anything else involving alcohol. I party by my own definition. I have a close-knit group of friends over, we play a game, watch a movie, deep talk, and we simply enjoy each other's presence. These parties can or cannot have the presence of alcohol depending on the individual too. There’s something more comforting about being around people you know and love doing innocent things or even drinking. There is something frightening about doing so with a group of strangers.

Ultimately, the truth is, I do. I do party, but I party in my own way, within my own comfort, within my own power, and within my own self.

I do not party because it is within my own ability not to just as it is to others to do so. I am a firm believer in the cliché, “you do you”, because doing what you want and having the ability to do so is important. I do not look differently upon those who do engage in partying, but I do wish the same was returned to myself and others alike.

Next time you go out, put aside the red solo cup and think of the real reason you are going out. Is it worth these dangers?