University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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Best friends Alexandra Sarpoolaki and Atyssa Gelormini were both born in March, so they decided to celebrate their 21st together. Their party, held at the Hilton Hotel, had a bright and colorful for- mal theme with music for dancing and a guest list comprised of their closest friends. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Sarpoolaki. When you turn 40, your family and friends wear black and throw you over-the-hiir parties. They send greeting cards exclaiming, ‘You’re how old?!' and give you an assortment of embarrassing gag-gifts. When you turn 13. you're finally a teenager. Somehow, that one day between when you were twelve and the day of your thirteenth birthday makes all the difference. Many anxiously await their sweet sixteen, practicing three-point turns and parallel parking in an effort to free themselves of driving under the supervision of their parents. But the most memorable, and often, the most anticipated birthday milestones are the 18 and 21“ birthday. Some incoming freshman had not yet turned 18 when entering college. They were the babies of their class and jealously watched their of- age friends buy lottery tickets and cigarettes, get their noses pierced, and gain entrance to 18-and-up clubs. They also missed out on the increased legal responsibility; they had to wait to sign contracts without their parent and they couldn't register to vote or open a checking account. But by a few months into freshman year, almost every student was 18 and relished these added freedoms and responsibilities. Then came the next milestone to look forward to—the 21“ birthday. Many students literally counted off their calendar days until their 21“ birthday. After all. once you turn 21, hardly any age restrictions could be enforced. Admittance into certain bars and clubs, the ability to buy alcohol, or just the freedom to smugly say. Yes. I'm 21' if someone asks, were all things to look forward to. That being said, the 21“ birthday was a full-blown celebration for most. Some extended their birth 'day' to a birth 'weekend,' with planned dinner reservations with friends, fun outings out-of-town, or just a night out at all the bars that wouldn't let them in before. Boys were more inclined to throw parties or hit the nightlife scene with friends; girls enjoyed being the 'princess' of the evening, as friends bought them crowns to wear and made scavenger-hunt-like checklists to be completed by the end of the night. Pictures were taken and memories were made; the 21 “ birthday was a milestone that few forgot. -Christina Blood 14 cftnpus uff

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The University Auditorium is one of many historic buildings on campus. Photo byJoso Otoro CAMPUS 13 Above: The majority of the UF academic build- ings have a bricks incorporated in its design. Photo by Jose Otero Right: The French Fries are located near Turlington Plaza. Photo by Jose Otero

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Above: Dara Gurman happily poses in front of her uninoo birthday surprise, Many students wished Ihoir friends a Happy Birthday by painting on tho 34th stroot graffiti wall- Photo by Dura Gorman, Right: After being treated to dinner at Amelia’s restaurant in downtown Gainesville, junior Suo No continues celebrating by Mowing out her candles. Friends made her a cake, organized a dinner, and planned a night out—all in honor of her very special 21 st birthday. Photo by Sue No Tiffany Beckel displays her 21st Birthday To-Do’ List. These lists (which were similar to a scavenger hunt list) were usually made by friends and included fun tasks for the birthday girl to complete. Photo by Tiffany Beckel. tlflPPT NPTtlDflTS 15