I turned 21 years old on September 10th. I’m among the last of my grade to be able to legally purchase alcohol and I have to say, now that it’s finally here, it’s a bit surreal.

I feel like I’ve become more of an adult by turning 21 than I did when I turned 18. And the ramifications for turning 18 are far higher than at 21.

At 21 years old, I’m given the right to go waste my money in a bar. At 18 years old, I was granted the power to choose my civic leaders, defend my country and be tried under the full penalty of the law for any crimes I may commit.

And yet the 21st birthday is still unequivocally given more fanfare and importance than the 18th. Why this is, I can’t say.

Certainly our society glorifies alcohol and drinking, but it’s no excuse for the lack of emphasis placed on the privileges that turning 18 years old bestows upon a person.

I went out and partook in the typical 21st birthday celebrations. But believe you me, I did so with the utmost respect for my duties as an American adult.

Matt Murphy can be reached at [email protected] or @mattymurph93 on Twitter.