7 Reasons Why Prom Is Important
Start writing a post
Sports

7 Reasons Why Prom Is Important

Whether you went or skipped it, Prom is a rite of passage for young people.

22156
7 Reasons Why Prom Is Important

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?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

That Feeling of Opening Day

What it means and What Happened

149
That Feeling of Opening Day

Baseball's Opening Day has inspired countless writers, fans, and players throughout the years. Some notable quotes we remember about this special day are:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

To The 'Best Friend' I Decided I Couldn't Be Friends With Anymore

Most of all, thank you for being the person who finally pushed me to choose myself.

96832
The CW / YouTube

Dear Old Friend,

Keep Reading... Show less
Lifestyle

7 Tips For Traveling

Don't miss any of these ideas to make your trip complete!

2872
7 Tips For Traveling

Whether it's a day trip, an out-of-state journey, or an experience leaving the country, here are some tried and true traveling tips.

Before any trip, we all think about what to pack and what to bring. We may have a strict itinerary, or we may have looser guidelines for what to do when. But we should also consider the following - make them goals:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Writer of the Month: Hunter Johnstone

As an aspiring author, Hunter knew writing for Odyssey would be a great fit for her.

2588
Writer of the Month: Hunter Johnstone

Response writers are what make the world go round at Odyssey! Using our response button feature, they carry on our mission of sparking positive, productive conversations in a polarized world.

Keep Reading... Show less
Allison Fishman

1. Why is Wilson Hall so complicated to navigate? Even as a senior, I still get lost in Wilson. As a freshman, I was warned about the unnecessary complexity of the building, was laughed at by upperclassman for my confused looks on the first day of school and walked and rewalked the whole hall before finding my classroom. #annoying.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments