First, the vast majority of people who drink aren’t alcoholics and don’t drink until they vomit. I think we all agree that excessive drinking is unhealthy and dangerous (but so is excessive knitting, or excessive running, or excessive eating, or excessive [fill in the blank]). In moderation, alcohol can help people relax/unwind at the end of the day and it can enhance a meal. It can “socially lubricate” people so their inhibitions are reduced. That can result in behavior they later regret, but it also might give someone the courage to approach that person they have a crush on at a party and ask them to dance.
As for taste, that’s definitely a personal thing and it does change over time. I’m sure there are things you enjoy now that you didn’t when you were very young (certain vegetables? coffee?). As to it being “yucky,” there are a couple of things here. I don’t know what you’ve tried, but if it was anything like the alcohol I was drinking in high school, it was whatever I could get my hands on (usually cheap, crappy beer). Alcohol is definitely an acquired taste, but there are some wines that are just beautiful, delicate, complex and lovely.
As to you personally, I know there’s probably a lot of peer pressure in Virginia to drink to excess. I’ve had fun at pretty much all of the major Universities in the state. Even if you don’t go off to one of these schools, it’s likely you’ll have friends that do and you’ll probably visit them at some point. You’ve mentioned being on medications, so be very careful with mixing alcohol and whatever you’re taking. It could be that you get really messed up with a small amount of alcohol. Also I’m sure you’re aware of the dangers of guys slipping things into women’s drinks or just getting them drunk and taking advantage. It’s happened to women I know, so be smart and safe.