Someone’s 21st birthday is a pretty big deal, at least according to most people. It is when you are allowed to legally drink and sit at the bar at a restaurant. There is so much freedom and joy that comes with turning 21. Recently, I hit this big life milestone, and I am here to tell you how I spent my big day and how I feel about officially being 21.
I had been planning my birthday on and off for a few months, but with school it was not the number one priority to me. I knew I wanted to do something small but meaningful, and most importantly, I wanted to spend the day with one of my best friends, my mom. I knew I wanted to share most of my day with her and go out somewhere to celebrate.
Originally, we coordinated a plan to go to New York City and do some shopping and grab lunch. However, when I was in the city a few weeks prior to the day, I was able to obtain tickets to see “Six: The Musical” on Broadway for a pretty reasonable price. I would be seeing a show I had been wanting to see for years for my birthday with my mom, who also had been wanting to see it.
After a few weeks of anticipation, it was finally time to go into the city to shop and see the show. It did not even really hit me that I was going to see one of my favorite shows live until we were sitting in our seats awaiting the first musical number to start.
Before going to the show, however, my mom and I went shopping around the vicinity of the theatre. The first store we hit was FAO Schwarz, famous for having the Jellycat diner, which is exclusive to that location. Even though my mom and I did not get to do the Jellycat diner experience, we still had fun looking at the rest of the store and getting some shopping done. After we left FAO Schwarz, we headed to the next store on our list; the Nintendo Store. I was not expecting to see so much cool merchandise and I ended up taking two plushies home to no one’s surprise. The final two stores we hit before heading over to the theatre were the LINE Friends store and the M&M store.
Then, it was time for “SIX.” I cannot put into words how much seeing this show on my big day meant to me. The cast and crew put on, as always, an amazing performance. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. What really made the show hit hard was the fact I saw it with my best friend, my mom. She means a lot to me and it meant even more to me she spent my birthday with me, singing and dancing to “SIX.” Mom, I know you are reading this, so I wanted to say thank you for always being here for me through thick and thin while I navigate my way through adult life.
Speaking of which, I have often found myself wondering: what is next for me now that I have hit 21? What is in store for me now that I am about to go into my senior year of college? What will my career even be post graduation?
Even with all these questions plaguing my mind, I know I don’t have to figure it all out alone. I have supportive friends, family and mentors who will help me along the way. The “real world” does feel very intimidating and stressful at times, but I know things will work out in the end and I will be where I am meant to be. Sure, I will inevitably make mistakes, but that is just what being human and growing is all about.
To all you readers out there who are stressing about internships or post-grad life, just know you will find your way and you are never alone. Reach out to people, take breaks and do what you love. You will end up where you’re meant to be.
Katie Germinder is a junior majoring in environmental science and sustainability and is minoring in anthropology.
