It’s My Birthday, I'm Turning 21: Barry Students Tell All

By Myami

Being in Miami means fun, sun, and clubbing!!!! However, more than likely when you first came to college, you were not of drinking age. Enter 21, the magical age. When you are finally considered an adult. Not only that, but you also get the opportunity to buy alcohol because you are old enough now!

But what do you do when you turn 21? Do you take a shot at midnight? Call your parents and thank them? Or not celebrate at all? Come with me on a journey, to 21: Let me show you how it is done.

Nowadays, on social media you may see young women – and men – dressed to the tee, makeup done, a fancy dress and, of course, a tiny purse and lip gloss! —headed to none other than a high-class, expensive restaurant. What else is there to do in Miami?

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Here is a Buccaneer-approved list of 21st birthday outings:

1. Senor Frog in Hallandale Beach is a telltale sign you’ve turned 21! FREE shots at the door to get in!

2. Hell’s Kitchen, extravagant birthday desserts

3. Superblue Miami Museum, an immersive experience

4. The Versace Mansion, beautiful decor and perfect for photo ops

5. La Ferneteria (Rooftop Miami), sparklers and a happy birthday chant, bonus: it makes you feel like a celebrity going there!

What did you do when you turned 21?

“I hung out with my friends and went out for some drinks. My friends and I went barhopping. Tap and Still Bar and Restaurant in the Virgin Islands, 758 Bar and Restaurant, and Doghouse Pub. It was a calm night. I wanted to relax and vibe with my friends.” - Bonnell Andrew, junior, pre-professional biology major, Army Reservist, 23

“I got a section at the club Shrine in Foxwoods, Connecticut. My cousin and I went to the club in pajamas! We were lit; we had five bottles of Champagne, and two bottles of Patron as well as juice and ice. We had four people with us! We went and got food with my family at Hell’s Kitchen. The servers brought out an entire array of desserts...one of the desserts said Happy Birthday.” - Anajah Ingram, senior, criminology major, 22

“Since my birthday is so close to Christmas and New Year’s, it’s hard to make time to celebrate. I spent the day with my family, we have a tradition, we celebrate at midnight on my birthday and the time I was born, 10:40 p.m. at night. We had dinner and went out to a buffet called Poc American Fusion Buffet and Sushi in Coral Gables and I had a stellar time. Spending time with my family brings me so much joy and is the best part of my birthday.” - Brianna Torres, Alumna, Class of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in television and digital media, 24

“I spent time with my family. We went over to my extended family’s home and had a big family celebration. I watched TV. As a college student and a bio major, it allowed me to mentally reset my brain. I watched “Love is Blind” and “Singles Inferno.” - Perpetua Anurugwo, junior, pre-professional biology major, 21

What are you gonna do when you turn 21?

“When I turn 21, I’ll be graduating, walking across the stage, going straight to Bucky’s and taking a shot. Then, later that night, I’m going to a club to get turnt the freak up out of my mind. I’m going to be on my head spinning, throwing my jewels in circle. All of my friends I graduated with and others, including family members and cousins, the next day I am most likely going to be on a yacht, and later that night I will probably be at another club. My whole 21st week, Imma be in the club. Sunday, I’m going to church.” - KaLiyah Evans, freshman, television and digital media major and photography minor, 18

"I should be graduating during that time. I envision myself as a middle-school teacher or a head coach. I want to travel for my birthday to Cancun, Mexico, specifically. Going to Cancun is my biggest birthday wish, aside from lots of money and then more money on top of that. I do not drink and I do not want to start; clubs and bars are not really my thing. I want to have my inner circle of friends and family surrounding me.” - Marquise “Quise” Williams, freshman, education major, 19

“When I turn 21, there's a few things I want to do. 1) I want to drink until I need my stomach pumped! 2) I do not want to go to prison! 3) I want to get new car insurance because it will be cheaper! 4) I want to go to Tootsies! My absolute dream is having my entire family come to a section with me at Club E11EVEN. I just really want to be outside with as many friends and family members as possible and go wherever the wind takes me.” - Lily Douglas, junior, communication and media studies major, 20

You heard it here first.

Students do a multitude of activities to celebrate that special No. 21. Whether it's sitting inside binging your favorite show or going for a full week of clubbing and then church on Sunday, do not feel like you must do anything specific to make your birthday special. Remember to be safe, drink responsibly, and turn up!