You are missing it. Not because you are not travelling, but because you are 21 with no real responsibilities and you are not using that time frivolously.

Get a passport, save $5-10k and go slumming in Europe for 6 months. Backpack for clothes. Laptop. Camera. Condoms. If you decide you don't like it in three-four weeks, come back. Otherwise spend time there stretching your money as long as you can until your budget runs out.