HW #59 - SOF Prom 2011 and DSPS

I did not attend prom because I am a junior and because I did not have a date. I considered going to the after-prom party, but did not feel that it held enough enjoyment to make the experience of going to school the next day (having partied in the seven hours prior) worth it. Tentatively, I plan to attend future prom(s). I do not think that it is necessary to be a magnificently conspicuous consumer and spend copious amounts of money and time on a dress, salon care, transportation, pre-prom body-preparation, etc.

Several students went to prom and after prom without skipping school before or after. I talked to J, who seemed utterly miserable the day after the prom. He said the prom was very fun, and "everyone was dancing there." He was not fond of his after-prom experience because there were very few people at the party. Although he enjoyed himself, he certainly payed a price the next day. His zombie-walk and furrowed brow indicated that he wanted nothing but some sleep and pain-killers. He shamelessly begged a room full of teachers and students for Tylenol. If I went to prom, I would forgo drunkenness and the insuing hangover, but would not mind the price of sleepiness.

E, who went to the after-prom, was much livelier the next day. Perhaps she slept before the party and was more rested than J, or perhaps she was more accustomed to sleep deprivation. She had mixed feelings about after-prom; it was awkward and boring initially because no one danced. As the night (or technically, the morning) wore on, it became more fun.

The prom does have a lot of hype surrounding it, and if expectations were lower perhaps J and E would not have been as dismayed by the awkward nature of the experience. It is labeled as "prom" and all the partiers are well-dressed, but it is just another party in many ways - one that can be awkward and full of disappointment, and/or full of memories and fun. It is important to find a balance of expectations; put enough effort into the experience that it will not be embarrasing or miserable, but don't expect it to be the "perfect night".