7 Reasons Why Prom Is Important

7 Reasons Why Prom Is Important

Whether you went or skipped it, Prom is a rite of passage for young people.
Jessica Browder
Jessica Browder May 1, 2017
8821
views

Ah, prom season. As I sit here writing this, my brother is currently out with his friends for their obligatory pre-prom dinner. Of course, they're all dressed up, looking fabulous, and hopefully they’re having a good time. So while he’s out partying, I thought I would take the opportunity to write a random little listicle about what I think is important about prom, what’s not so important, and some reflection on my own experiences of going to prom.

Prom is a bit of a window into how young people learn to be adults. A right of passage that teaches young adults more than how to dirty dance and spend your parents money. For all the fun it entails for high school kids, Prom is a learning experience and the attendees are the unwitting students. Learning how to behave in a formal setting, using good manners, acting like ladies and gentlemen, are just a few of the lessons they learn without even knowing it. There are the lovely clothes, the nice dinner and understanding the cost your parents are willing to pay for you to have great experience.

1. Important: For Many, Prom Is A Milestone

As cheesy as this may sound to some people, prom truly is a milestone in many young people’s lives. It’s a point between childhood and adulthood, to celebrate in a unique way that is often a once in a lifetime opportunity for kids.

2. Not So Important: Not Going

If going to a formal dance with a date sounds like your ultimate nightmare, don't do it! You're about enter college which may very well be the most stressful time of your life, so don't feel forced into doing something you aren't comfortable with.

3. Important: Prom Is A Time For Self-Expression

Prom is a different environment than the halls of a high school, and since it is a formal event, attendees feel able to showcase their true style. When you're dressed to the nines, it no doubt boosts the confidence of the students who may have not felt bold enough to express themselves at school. But…

4. Not So Important: Getting Laid

Honestly, I felt like so many people I went to school/prom with were only focused on one thing: sex. For some, even the not so delightful idea of backseat drunk sex. High school is the last time in your life where you can just be a kid, so focus on having fun. That fun shouldn't include drunken regrets and possible teen pregnancies.

5. Important: It’s Okay To Not Have A Date!

Go with friends! Looking back, I truly wish I would have been much more focused on being with my friends instead of my date. Friends last, and more often than not, silly high school boyfriends don’t. Spend time with your friends, it may be one of the last times you get to see them before you split off for college.

6. Come Prepared

A little personal experience here, there was a situation one year where I had a tiny rip on the side of my dress, and although I was able to tuck it under, it could have been much worse. Do come prepared with a few emergency items, to fix any blunders you might have!

7. Embrace It!

Looking back, high school me was very worried about if I would be dressed similarly to my peers, if my hair looked like it should, and not wearing too much makeup (boys don't like that, you know)! Knowing what I know now, (as far as makeup, boys, and silly high school stress) I wish I would have more fully embraced the prom experience as just something fun, instead of something laced with anxiety and the pressure to look a certain way. Wear that winged liner and bold lip. Don't wear a full length dress if you don't want to. Wear heels or wear combat boots. But most importantly, wear a smile. If you're not having fun, what’s the point?

Jessica Browder
Jessica Browder May 1, 2017
At Influencers of Montana

Popular Right Now

8 Reasons Why My Dad Is the Most Important Man In My Life

Forever my number one guy.
Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
69971
views

Growing up, there's been one consistent man I can always count on, my father. In any aspect of my life, my dad has always been there, showing me unconditional love and respect every day. No matter what, I know that my dad will always be the most important man in my life for many reasons.

1. He has always been there.

Literally. From the day I was born until today, I have never not been able to count on my dad to be there for me, uplift me and be the best dad he can be.

2. He learned to adapt and suffer through girly trends to make me happy.

I'm sure when my dad was younger and pictured his future, he didn't think about the Barbie pretend pageants, dressing up as a princess, perfecting my pigtails and enduring other countless girly events. My dad never turned me down when I wanted to play a game, no matter what and was always willing to help me pick out cute outfits and do my hair before preschool.

3. He sends the cutest texts.

Random text messages since I have gotten my own cell phone have always come my way from my dad. Those randoms "I love you so much" and "I am so proud of you" never fail to make me smile, and I can always count on my dad for an adorable text message when I'm feeling down.

4. He taught me how to be brave.

When I needed to learn how to swim, he threw me in the pool. When I needed to learn how to ride a bike, he went alongside me and made sure I didn't fall too badly. When I needed to learn how to drive, he was there next to me, making sure I didn't crash.

5. He encourages me to best the best I can be.

My dad sees the best in me, no matter how much I fail. He's always there to support me and turn my failures into successes. He can sit on the phone with me for hours, talking future career stuff and listening to me lay out my future plans and goals. He wants the absolute best for me, and no is never an option, he is always willing to do whatever it takes to get me where I need to be.

6. He gets sentimental way too often, but it's cute.

Whether you're sitting down at the kitchen table, reminiscing about your childhood, or that one song comes on that your dad insists you will dance to together on your wedding day, your dad's emotions often come out in the cutest possible way, forever reminding you how loved you are.


7. He supports you, emotionally and financially.

Need to vent about a guy in your life that isn't treating you well? My dad is there. Need some extra cash to help fund spring break? He's there for that, too.

8. He shows me how I should be treated.

Yes, my dad treats me like a princess, and I don't expect every guy I meet to wait on me hand and foot, but I do expect respect, and that's exactly what my dad showed I deserve. From the way he loves, admires, and respects me, he shows me that there are guys out there who will one day come along and treat me like that. My dad always advises me to not put up with less than I deserve and assures me that the right guy will come along one day.

For these reasons and more, my dad will forever be my No. 1 man. I love you!

Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
At University of Arizona

Related Content

Connect with a generation
of new voices.

We are students, thinkers, influencers, and communities sharing our ideas with the world. Join our platform to create and discover content that actually matters to you.

Learn more Start Creating

The 7 Best Pieces Of Advice I Have Been Given About Life

Some of the best advice I have been given over the years...

Emily Hendricks
Emily Hendricks Apr 18, 2019
454
views

There isn't a central theme among these pieces of advice or sayings. They are all just random things I have been told over the course of my life–especially in the last week. I find these 7 to be particularly helpful in various situations, and try to keep them in mind when I am in over my head.

1. "Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself because there is nobody who is going to help you more than you."

You are the #1 person who can help your own case. No one knows you as you do, therefore no one will be able to help you more than you can help yourself. A lot of things are mental, so once you can convince yourself that you deserve something (whatever it may be) you can convince anyone. Another saying goes along with this, on the flip side: "No one can diminish you but yourself." You are in control of your own self-perception, and you are very much capable of being your own worst enemy.

2. "Stand behind your reputation because you can never get it back."

My mom sent this to me the other day. Be who you are, and do it proudly. Especially with meeting people for the first time, you can never have a second chance at a first impression. That being said, if people view you in a bad light, figure out why that is and fix it. You may not be able to change someones initial thoughts of you, but you can change the way they view you after that.

3. "The best things in life happen unexpectedly."

"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans," also goes along with this. Trying to plan out every little detail of your life is only going to lead to disappointment. Sometimes you find the best things/what you're looking for when you're not actually looking. Just go through the motions and things will work out the way they are supposed to.

4. "Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small."

It's important to celebrate the little things. Did you go to class today? Good for you. Did you decide to drink water instead of a soda? That's awesome. How are you going to work up to doing bigger and better things if you don't have anywhere to start?

5. "Whatever you're stressing about now probably won't matter in five years."

As someone who is often eaten away by their own worry and anxiety, this is a mantra that I try to constantly remind myself. While it may seem like a big deal now, you need to keep in mind the bigger picture. Will it matter in 5 hours? 5 days? 5 months? And so on. If the answer is no to ANY of these questions, it's probably not worth beating yourself up over.

6. "Stop being the 'go to' person for someone you can't go to."

Someone tweeted that their pastor said this to them and the tweet went viral. A friend of mine sent it to me, and it really made me think. Something I have struggled with over the years is making excuses for people who don't show up for me when I am constantly there for them. This is a helpful reminder that if they aren't contributing to you and your life, you shouldn't have to bend over backward to help them out and be in their lives.

7. "Two wrongs don't make a right."

While this is often a saying that parents use on their young children, it is applicable to pretty much any stage of life. My parents, especially my dad, have constantly said this, whether it was in reference to fighting with my siblings or dealing with people at school. Even as a 20-year-old, I find myself saying this when I hear about arguments and problems people are having. Everyone wants to get even, to best those who hurt them. While it's important to stick up for yourself, it is also important to be the bigger person and not stoop to their level (and whatever else your parents told you in these situations).

Emily Hendricks
Emily Hendricks Apr 18, 2019
At Purdue University

Related Content

Facebook Comments