Student First in Family to Attend Club

By Kelly Keough

Nov. 9, 2013

These days, getting in to the club can be one of the most difficult achievements in a young person’s life, and has been shown to have a significant and lasting impact on an individual’s future success and happiness. But can you imagine being the very first in your family to do so? This is a reality many young Americans are faced with: having to overcome circumstantial and sometimes physical barriers to become first-generation clubbers.

These individuals have little or no family clubbing history, and may enter a club with limited knowledge of the jargon, traditions, and patterns of expected behavior. These factors may prevent first-generation clubbers from fully engaging in a club setting, and may contribute to early departure from the club before gaining access to VIP areas. No matter how capable or good-looking, first-generation club-goers can benefit from additional support as they adjust to a new environment. The Chicago Shady Dealer had an opportunity to sit down with one such individual, Amada Echeverria (expected BAC .015).

SD: How did you overcome the different obstacles you faced getting into the club? Did you take advantage of any special resources?

AE: I am the first in my family to earn 4-hour bottle service, and I can tell you, there are a lot of -isms that can keep the “wrong” people – like me – out.Lookism is a big one. Before I got my nose job I couldn’t get in anywhere. That, and I also started wearing tighter clothes.That’s pretty much all it took. Oh, I also had a club promoter help me get in the “in” at many nightclubs. My older brother went to high school with him. He’s been like a mentor to me.

SD: How did your family react when they found out that you got into the club? Were they supportive of you?

AE: You could say my mom is well versed in the art of pretense. She acts proud, but I can tell she resents me. There’s been a huge shift in the family dynamic ever since I started leaving home every night and going to the club. My sisters can’t get into the club, and there’s nothing I can do to help. Then there’s the fact of feeling isolated from my community. I’m one of the only clubbers, and I try to avoid posting pictures of my nights. The other girls think I’m snobby because I pop bottles. They don’t understand that I am trying to better myself so I can give back to the community, so I can help out. I know where I came from. Someday I’m gonna come back and help young girls prepare for the obstacles they’re gonna face. You gotta start young. I can do that for them.

SD: Did you feel less prepared coming into the club than your peers?

AE: Of course. Some of these kids are fifth generation – it’s in their blood. They’ve got the look, the apathy, the mannerisms. They can tell something’s off about me. I have to make an effort. It doesn’t come as naturally to me. Some of them tell me I look “thirsty.” I still don’t know what that means. I’ll talk to one guy wearing a fedora or pour Grey Goose with the wrong mixer and it’s like a red flag goes up:FIRST-GENERATION TRASH, COMING THROUGH. The condescension, it never stops. But I don’t let it get to me. I know why I’m here.

SD: What are some common pitfalls to avoid in a club setting?

AE: Letting the wrong people buy you drinks, mostly. You can’t let just anyone have your number, or follow you on Instagram. Most of these guys just post pictures of bottles anyway. They think they’re lavish and they want you to know it. The trick, I think, is to seem unimpressed by money. That would definitely be the number one dead giveaway to these Purina purebreds. Take too many pictures of the party favors, and they’ll know you’re not in your native habitat. You also can’t sleep with the promoter. That’s a big one. A lot of girls make that mistake their first time around. Promoters act so cool, they kind of blend in sometimes. You forget they’re working. But sleep with the help, and you’re done. Oh, and don’t fart.

SD: Is there any other advice you’d like to offer to other first generation club-goers?

AE: Do. Not. Take your shoes off. I repeat, do not. It will be tempting, but this is literally the club equivalent of seppuku. You might as well ram your stiletto into your abdomen. That’s it.