It’s the moment many wait their whole lives for. Every casino, bar, and lounge will finally let you in with a simple presentation of your ID. Now, you are able to join all of your friends at your college town bar or check out the scene down by the shore.

As you take in your environment, relishing in the glory of being of age, you start to question yourself as to why others find this to be such a monumental time in life. 

I remember early on in college, when I’d find myself with no plans, I would complain to myself and wish that I were 21. I glamorized being able to put on big high heels and get all dressed up to go out for something to drink and a bite to eat. I yearned to have somewhere that I could go out with friends and live it up without any worries. 

Now, I don’t know if I’m just getting older or if I’m just boring, but I’ve found that hitting the age of 21 is quite overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the birthday party my best friend threw me and being around the people closest to me, but this new age hasn’t made me really feel different at all.

Before turning 21, I would pass the Landmark Americana Bar & Grill on my way to classes nearly every day and wait for the day I was finally able to get in. All of my friends who were older than me would tell me how they couldn’t wait to be able to go with me, and how many people I’ll see there, and how much fun it will be.

My 21st birthday was roughly two weeks ago, and I decided to celebrate it with my friends from Glassboro by going to Thursday’s College Night at Landmark. I was really excited to be able to see my friends and experience our college town bar for the first time. 

Once I stepped foot into Landmark, however, I was honestly a little bit disappointed. I was expecting more when it came to the music from the DJ stands, as well as the overall atmosphere. It didn’t help that before being able to get in, I had to circle around the parking lot over three times to find a parking spot, and wait in a twenty-minute line to get in, but I digress. 

I recognize that I have only been 21 for about two weeks now, so I know I still have time to feel differently about this newfound freedom. Still, I question if I’ll really be using the perks of being 21 much. 

While my first “Landy” experience wasn’t all that I could have imagined and more — it’s definitely overrated — I might still be making an appearance at College Night from time to time. 

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