Ringing in the late birthday queens, kings and royalty, most UB seniors have turned 21. Early graduates, this doesn’t apply, sorry. For fourth-years, it’s time to pass the torch and give some advice on how to ring in your twenty-first.
The Spectrum has gathered two of the most thoughtful amateur party planners to share their wisdom.
“The world was my oyster when I turned 21,” senior business administration major Kassidy Flanagan said.
“I finally felt like an adult,” senior public health major Jillian Byers said.
Flanagan celebrated her birthday by booking Bottoms Up for her themed event “Kasschella” that she invented for her 16th birthday.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Coachella. I really like music and the outfits,” Flanagan said. “I wanted to do it again for my 21st because ever since I met my college friends they thought it was a cool idea so they asked me to do it for my 21st.”
Flanagan’s friends wore bohemian pants and flower crowns like she was 16 again. Flanagan booked the venue by texting promoter Tim Walton. Guests paid $30 at the door for an open bar.
Byers took a different route for her special day by spending a chill Sunday with her friends then waiting to go to Rec Room the next weekend.
“I had so much fun. It was a Sunday. We watched the Bills game and all played games,” Byers said. “Being with my friends made me feel loved and valued.”
Flangan booked Byers’ birthday at Rec Room who had a special table booked for the birthday celebrant. Flanagan emailed support@recroom.com who set up a couch, table, TV, large sign reading “Happy Birthday Jill,” sparklers, and a special drink “The Jill.” All free of charge.
“I thought it was great. They did it so nicely,” Byers said. “They had the TVs with the picture montage. The drink was so good, but it gave me the worst hangover of my life.”
Fair enough. Twenty-first birthdays can be overwhelming for some, but let Byers and Flanagan be your older sisters. Byers has advice for the planners.
“Lower your expectations. You should try and focus on things that your friends like and try to incorporate them. My friends incorporated Loganberry into my drink,” Byers said. “And if your friend doesn’t like drinking try to find something more chill, maybe do a set menu at a nice restaurant.”
Planning a special day is hard, but it is also hard because birthdays can be scary and disappointing.
“Whoever shows up for you are the ones that matter most. Do what you want to do and not what everyone else wants to do because it is your day,” Flanagan said.
No matter what you decide, Byers and Flanagan said the golden rules are don’t do drugs and drink a liquid IV.
Happy birthday Buffalonians, and good luck.
Sophia Stines is the assistant features editor and can be reached at sophia.stines@ubspectrum.com
Sophia Stines is an assistant features editor.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
