Wasn't it such a beautiful moment when Chad Micheal Murray romanced the young Hilary Duff in "A Cinderella Story"? I was eight years old when this movie came out. The oh so dramatic anonymous cell phone texting which lead to Duff's happily ever after.

No one broke up with their girlfriend by falling in love with my anonymous virtual personality, but before my own high school experience, this movie made me think that even if you were nobody, there would still be at least one handsome guy that would ask you to the prom or that you would meet at prom under this gorgeous gazebo where violinists waited for young lovers. Our school didn't make such accommodations.

The zoo. Prom at the zoo. Oh, great, that could work, right? Go on romantic strolls by the animals, they'd probably decorate it so lovely. Or maybe it would be in that nice ballroom at the zoo where weddings had afterparties and it would be magically lit inside and out!

Goodness gracious...it's a good thing I only spent $50 for my dress and $20 on shoes.

The high school population would be quizzing teachers and students involved with planning, but no, STUGO was "keeping it a surprise".

I waited for a date, never got asked. I went anyway. My friends, who were all coupled off, made me believe my night as a sixth wheel would be magical. I took a chance, thought okay, maybe I'll meet Prince Charming there just like Cinderella. Not so much.

I can't say nothing great happened prom night. My friends and I went out to dinner and a sweet older couple took care of our $80 check! (With all of these dollar signs I can remember, prom must be helpful to the economy).

We arrived at the zoo to see a small dance floor with a tent over it, some bare white tables and chairs (no decorations), and a grass field (great for the ladies' high heels). Yeah, that was it.

There was a small picture booth costing $20 a shot, some Ziploc bags filled with over-salted and rubbery microwave popcorn, and some cotton candy. At least those were free.

We had free carousel rides and some stilt walkers who strolled by, but that died down quickly. The drunk people probably had the most fun, but the rest of us single-sober-folk were pretty close to miserable.

My friend's date tried to help me find someone to dance with. After many failed attempts, she found someone semi decent...ish.

The area was crowded, hot, and humid with nowhere to escape. I began dancing with this dateless guy and the next thing I knew he was way too handsy and way too close for comfort, that's saying it politely. I disgustedly ran to the bathroom to get some space.

As soon as I stepped into that public bathroom which

was, remember, an outside bathroom at the ZOO, I felt nauseous. The few mirrors in it were small,cracked and distorted, a few toilets were clogged, it was rather claustrophobic, but what I remember most was the aroma of pee and the urge to avoid using the restroom until the night was over.

Beautiful. Get girls to come out in $300 dresses and designer heels to step in muddy grass and powder their noses in the contagious virus attraction.

After more sitting and unwilingness to try my luck again on the dance floor, I was relieved once the night was over. My friends and I went out for ice cream. I came home by 10p.m. indifferent.

The next year I spent yet another dateless for prom season. The idea of going through the same motions as last year, but at a baseball field, just wasn't appealing.

Yeah, their great venue the next year was the baseball field. I speant that night at work so I didn't have to feel bad being home alone. Bussing tables and assigning seats at the restaurant was more valuable to me than going to my senior prom.

QUESTIONS:

Why couldn't there at least be a nice semi-private gazebo? Even Bella (Twilight), underdressed and broken-footed had her cinderella moment.

Was your prom like the movies or a boring walk through?

What happened to decorating?

What was the location and theme of your prom?

Should the art and drama students help STUGO with prom plans?