While the majority of my classmates are beginning and ending their New Year’s resolutions, I’m contemplating how my time is spent as a college student. Here I am, a year and a half into my college career, and I have yet to do what one is expected to do in college.

For example, being in college usually means partying, drinking, and “experimenting” both with substances and sex. Most of my friends go out every weekend if not every night and I’m always hearing stories of their latest sexscapades. As a girl brought up in New Orleans/Chalmette, I should be pretty well adapted to the party scene, right? I’m supposed to know Bourbon Street like I know my driveway. I’m supposed to know the best places to get alcohol even though I’m underage. However, my reality is far bleaker.

I’m a sophomore, but I’ve never been to a frat party, and I’ve only been to Bourbon Street after dark four times. I’m not much of a drinker, I don’t smoke, and I couldn’t identify a marijuana plant if you labeled it with neon highlighters. Don’t automatically call me a prude. It’s not that I don’t want to go out and get drunk; it’s just difficult driving home after chugging a hand grenade and spending the cab fare on a lap dance.

I guess I stand out from the average college student because I’m a commuter. Not only do I live off-campus, but I also live (dun dun DUN) with my parents. After the tuition bill and lack of FEMA and Road Home funds, I didn’t have much of a choice. Sure, I could spend the few precious tips I make on rent or on room and board, but that would last me about a week.

I have no problem living with my parents until I’m on my own feet and being at Loyola three days a week is working pretty well. Still, when people around me mention the happenings in Buddig or stress over their lack of Wolfbucks, I feel very distant. Whenever there’s a hot band playing on campus on Tuesday or Thursday, I sulk knowing that I’ll be trapped in the mysterious beyond known as Kenner.

I can’t help but wonder if I’m being a stick in the mud during the best four years of my life by not hitchhiking to parties or orgies. Then I remember why I’m even in college in the first place – to graduate with a degree. Besides, I have two years left to get some parties in, and my parents have proven to me that you can never be too old to go out and get drunk.

Happy New Year.