Blogpost #7: Do your part

After your parents bought you a nice dress, gave you money for your tuxedo and limousine rental fee, supporting you all throughout your preparation for this special night, and trust that your parents gave you, now is your turn to do your part and responsibilities. You are responsible for your date, no buts and ifs. Behaving during prom, behaving by means of being polite and applying proper social skills, not getting into a fight and being sober and drug-free.

I found an article entitled "Adolescence and senior prom" by Carl Pickhardt from www.psychologytoday.com.

According to the article, your parents will support you all the way just for you to have that very nice and special evening. But the more they give you stuff and other things that you need, they are expecting more from you. Date, dance, dinning, and dressing up. These 4 D's are simply called maturity for parents. 

"For parents the occasion can have a "turning out" significance, a chance to see their son or daughter formally attired and looking maximally grown up, testimony to the successful child raising they have done," says Carl.

You see, being expected to be matured (not just during prom) is hard, but it's worth it. It's like a "Good job!" for your parents because they know they raised you well. And if you think that being matured and being responsible is not cool or something, then you're wrong! Being matured is fun for me, because it's like you're fully taking over and taking full responsibility with your life. And if something bad happens, you can't blame anyone. And if something good happens, you get the chance to be really proud of yourself and that feeling is priceless. 

I found an article entitled "PROM: Please Remember Our Maturity" by Shawn Srolovitz from shawnosaurusrex.blogspot.com.

According to the article, prom should be a night full of fun and enjoyment. And there are misconception about prom, that is: you need to have a date and you need to spend lots of money. The author says, you really don't need a date for prom because it really doesn't matter nobody really cares. You don't need to spend lots of money because it is unnecessary. Students should be all grateful because they are given the opportunity to have this kind of event. And they are given the opportunity of being an adult and be fancy and all for just one night. And students should not forget their maturity. Students should not get out of hand, and not be over dramatic.

"Prom is supposed to be a way for us to show that we're mature enough to act like adults for a night: wear fancy clothes, eat fancy food, and act sophisticated," says Shawn.

Prom is like a practice for us. We should not let this opportunity turn into waste. 

When I had my Junior prom and Senior prom, I will say that it turned out to be a really great time. But I did not know that it is about maturity and being responsible and all. Learn from my mistakes, enjoy and at the same time learn during your prom. Never forget the real reason and the real purpose on why they do prom. They want us to know that we have to be matured. 

Blogpost #6: Being sober during prom is important.

Car accident and a really big amount of bills in the hospital, stay overnight in jail and got yourself beat up, not able to remember what happened during your prom because you're too busy getting drunk, be suspended or expelled from your school. These are the things that might happen when you spend your night being drunk. Clearly you do not want this to happen right?

I found an article entitled "Temptation high for drunk driving in prom, grad reason" by Jessica Bliss from www.usatoday.com.

According to the article, There are good news and bad news about teens when it comes to drunk driving. The good news is, that drunk driving is down 54% since 1991. And the bad news is, car crashes are leading the cause of death. That's why you can't blame parents to worry too much when it comes to drunk-driving. The author shared some stories about car crash survivors and one of them is, Phaedra Marriott Olsen. She stop by a pizza place and stayed for a while, and when she was heading home she said that she did not drink any alcohol and did not take any drugs. But she did not know that the driver had. So at 22 years old, she was paralyzed. Nearly 40 she spent almost half her life in a wheelchair. She share her stories over 5,000 students reminding and telling them the dangers of drunk driving and taking drugs. And the importance of seat belt. Every time she shares her story she cry, cause when she asked who has driven drunk and almost all the student raised their hand. She want to motivate and encourage the students to make the right decisions. So they gave tips on how parents can talk to their children about this situation. Explain that drinking is illegal for underage teens, talk about on how alcohol can affect the brain, explain your position on being a worried sick parent knowing that your child is drinking, explain that sometimes achieving goals can be used as a motivation for teens to drink, discuss the consequences, warn them about peer pressure.

"Not every child makes it home safe. And only some live to tell about it," says Jessica.

To be home safe is a really big thing for me. Specially when you travel really far from home everyday for school. My parent are really worried every time I got home really late like, 11 pm. I can say that they can't remove their part as a worried parent because it is a mad world out their and we don't know what can happen to us while were outside and far from home. Even though I'm not drunk or I did not take drugs, I should be worried on how can I go home safe.

I found an article entitled "Keeping Prom Night Safe and Alcohol-Free" by Caroline Briggs from carbreathalyzerhelp.com.

According to the article, prom is supposed to be a night full of memories and fun, but those happy thoughts can be ruined just because you made a wrong decision like drinking. Drinking and social pressures can be the cause of alcohol poisoning, violence, assault, misjudgments, and unwanted pregnancies. And the worst, car crash. Schools and other organization should teach teens more about this kind of situation. Also, parents should help by talking their children about drinking and the consequences.

"Having regular, honest conversations that clearly convey the dangers of underage drinking and driving under the influence can be more powerful than you think," says Caroline.

Nothing beats a really serious and sincere talk with someone older than you. Because for sure, they know things better than you do. Last Christmas, a family friend's daughter forced me to drink them. I was shocked because first of all, I don't drink and I don't like the taste of the drink. I have no choice but to say yes. At the end of the night I had rashes all over my body. I didn't know that, that can happen to me that time. So my dad said, "never drink when you're not sure if you really want to." Second, "you should not be drinking because you are underage." I know I'm not driving or something and it's somewhat far from my topic. But the point is, my dad is right. And next time that someone ask me to drink, I know how to say no. And maybe I'll share the things that my dad taught me to others. Drinking is not bad. Actually, it helps us to relax. But what teens are doing is, they abuse alcohol and it leads to bad effect.

Blogpost #5: After-prom party

Can't get enough about prom? Go to the after party!
What is a "Prom after party"? It is an extension party of prom, until sunrise. Sounds illegal right? But it's not. It is a way to keep the students from alcohol, drugs, and other stupid stuff after prom.The school is involved and they are still incharge for the safety of the students. That's why parents are sponsoring after prom parties.

I found an article entitled "The supervised after-prom party: Now with cars, iPads and other goodies" by Alice Mannette from www.reuters.com.

According to the article, schools are giving away cars, ipads, cash, gift certificates, scholarships, other extravagant prizes and expensive goodies. And it is sponsored by parents and the school. The article says, this is to encourage students to stay and enjoy the after-prom party, and not to go to private parties. And going to the After-prom party helps them to be alcohol and drug-free. Even though after-prom parties are more preferable, some students prefer private parties. They said it was too controlled.

"Controlling is exactly what parents are trying to do wit the after-parties. For some, prom brings back scary thoughts of their own rite of passage in high school," says Alice.

Going to the after-prom party is not bad at all. And it is really fun! Partying with your friends all night long, and not with a bunch of strangers in a private party is really fun. Yes, our parents are controlling us. But this is for our own good and protection. Our parents wants us to have fun as much as we want to. That's why they are sponsoring such parties, for our own good. Imagine that! Your parents, sponsoring a party. That's really cool and awesome for me. Plus! You want your prom to be really memorable right? Start by doing the right thing. You can enjoy your prom sober and drug-free.

I found an article entitled "Using Science to Keep Teens Sober at Prom" by Tara Parker-Pope from well.blogs.nytimes.com.

According to the article, parents should use science when it comes to explaining to their children why they have to be sober during prom. Parents should say that they should not be drinking during prom if they want to remember the rest of the night, because alcohol can make you forget things. When you drink alcohol, you can't control yourself and you are prone to fights. And last, drinking can make you vomit.

"My parents certainly didn’t explain all the risks of alcohol but convinced me that my home-life would never be the same if they caught me drinking," says Tara.

Being sober and safe during and after prom is not bad. Being drunk during the night does not make you any cooler. Getting drunk is really uncomfortable, and I don't understand why some teenagers always want to be drunk. You want to enjoy the rest of the night but you want to be drunk? Please understand that alcohol can't make you happy in occasions like this. Alcohol is a depressant.

Blogpost #4: Prom dates

Having a date for prom is really cool and sweet. Specially when he promposed to you. You get the chance to have someone for the rest of the night, and be awesome together. But what about the other students who don't have dates for prom? Can they still have an awesome night? Of course yes! When I was a Senior, I go to prom without a date. It was new for me because when I was a junior I had a date. But in my Senior year, I decided to go with my friends. It felt great because I have pictures everywhere with different people and a lot of good memories happened. That night, I realized that having a date to prom is not the only thing that can make you happy on that special night. Your friends can give you a really good time.

For those students who already have dates, good for you! Just make sure that you can catch up with your friends.When I was junior, I have a date for prom. And I have to be honest. I had a great time with my date, but did not with my friends. I don't have pictures with my friends, I only have pictures with my date. I don't even know what my bestfriend looks like during junior prom. For me, having a date is a disaster. Not really a disaster, I just hate the idea of me, being responsible for the whole night. Although! He gave me a bouquet of flowers, and I was the only girl that received flowers during prom. So that made me happy and special. I'm not saying that going in stag is better. I'm just saying that you should hang out with your friends too during prom. Because maybe you are missing out some cool memories. Clearly, you don't want that to happen. What if you are just pressured to have a date because someone promposed to you, but you really want to go with your friends?

I found an article entitled "Prom guide:10 major myths about the big night you shouldn't stress over" by Krystie Yandoli from www.huffingtonpost.com

According to the article, you should not believe in myths about prom. Like, you should have a prom date, Limousines are the only transportation to go to prom, promposals are required, you should wear fancy and expensive clothes during prom, and you need to go.

Krystie said, "stop stressing if you'd rather spend the night hanging out with a bunch of your best friends than worrying about an awkward date situation."

Prom can make you really pressured when it comes to dates and stuff. Did you know that some parents won't allow their children to go to prom without a date? I hope your parents are not like that. I have a friend, someone promposed to her.
And she couldn't say no because she don't want to hurt his feelings. During prom, she did not enjoyed the rest of the night. First of all, she don't know anyone since it's an all boys school prom, their dates are from different kinds of school. Second, the guy did not gave her a corsage but she gave him a boutonniere, and that's really awkward. The thing is, if you know for the first place that you will not be comfortable to the guy who asked you, simply say no in a nice way and explain things.
Some students says, prom dates are important. Why? Because they thought that having a prom date will complete their night. They are worried because maybe no one will ask them to dance. They don't like to be alone in the pictures.

I found an article entitled "No prom date? Go anyway!" by Kat Kinsman from edition.cnn.com.

The article was about the author's experience about almost not attending prom because she doesn't have a prom date. And only couples were allowed to buy tickets. And she doesn't have a date. And she made the article because she wants to share something. According to the article, prom will not be the night of your life like you see in movies. It will be a simple prom where normal things happen. You'll look funny when you dance, and your friends and their dates will be lovey dovey all night and some of them will be in trouble.

 Kat said, "Buy your own corsage, fix your terribly permed, purple-tinted hair, take a deep breath, walk in and make some memories, kid, before it all flickers away."

Yes, having a date is really romantic and perfect for the night. But don't stay on that thought. Based on my experience, no matter what happens, someone will ask you to dance during prom. Guess who asked me? My crush. Yes. I'm not joking. Many possibilities can happen during prom. You just have to have a good time, that's all. You see, dates are not important. Even though you don't have a date for prom, that won't make you less beautiful. Nothing is wrong going in stag. Prom is about memories

Blogpost #3: Anything and Everything, for the perfect night

Nowadays, prom will not be called prom without the expenses. Actually, the other term of Prom night is bragging night. Why? Because we want to impress everyone for that special night. For the girls, you have to be pretty because you know your guy will be really handsome for the night and you want to impress your friends with your beautiful dress. And for the boys, you have to buy your girl a corsage and not just any other corsage! Some boys rent a limousine just to impress the family of the girl. Imagine all these expenses for one night only. Where are you gonna get the money?

I found an article entitled "Principal Cancels Prom, Saying "The Prom Culture Is Sick"" by Gil Kaufman from www.mtv.com.

 According to the article, the head of the catholic school had decided to cancel the prom of the senior students because of the big expenses. But some parents did not agree with this. Some thinks that it's not fair to cancel the prom.

The principal said, "It is not primarily the sex/booze/drugs that surround this event, as problematic as they might be; it is rather the flaunting of affluence, assuming exaggerated expenses, a pursuit of vanity for vanity's sake, in a word, financial decadence." 

Canceling the prom will not solve the problem. Which is right. Even me, I don't agree with the principal because prom is just so special to be canceled. Plus! Not all students will spend a lot of money. Yes, they will still spend some, but we can't blame them for that. When I was a senior, I was thinking of where will I get the money that I need for prom. Of course I will ask my parents about it. I lay down all my plans for prom and asked them how much can they give me. Always remember that you don't want to make your parents carry all the expenses. Think about the important expenses only! You don't need a limousine just to impress your date. You can impress them by giving them a good time during prom. Being thrifty for prom is not bad. Treating your girl or your friends is not bad either. You should know your limitations first and always remember that you don't have all the money in the world. And even if you have lots of money, you don't need to spend all of them just for one night.

I found an article entitled "The Cost of Prom" by Matt F from

According to the article, prom nowadays are much more expensive. The prom tickets, tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers and the venue. It even says that we should bring back the times that high school students held their prom in the school gym, it is more though and not really expensive. Girls should rent their dresses because they will only wear the dress for one night.

Matt said, "In these tough economic times, with more and more parents being laid off, young people should not have to spend so much on a big fancy prom." 

We all know that prom is just a once in a lifetime experience for high school students, so they really want to look good in this occasion. But the thing is, having a really expensive dress or renting a limousine, won't make your night magical, great, enchanting, etc. It's the fun! We are talking about enjoyment. You have to appreciate what you have. When I was s senior, I had a problem about my dress. My dress should be finished exactly 4 days before prom. Guess what, the tailor though that my prom is happening on the next month. 3 days before the prom, I still don't have a dress yet. So, I made a way to have a dress. Having a really cheap dress didn't bother me at all. All that matters was, I have to have a dress. And my night turned out to be really great. Girls, if you can rent a dress for prom. Do it! You don't need to buy a dress, you will only wear it for just one night. Our parents don't deserve all this expenses.  

Blogpost #2: Prom

What is prom? Prom for me, is the much awaited fancy occasion by the end of the semester. I mean, who would not be excited for prom? Prom is mostly more exciting than graduation or any kind of school occasion. When it comes to prom, we are talking about, promposals, hot dates, beautiful dresses, limousines,etc. Its like you want everything to be perfect. You want to be really cool and beautiful for just one night. Hoping that after that special night, everything will change.

When I was in high school, I kept the thought of, we are doing prom because we simply want to show off. I was wrong. We are doing prom because it is our very celebration for all the achievements we had for the semester. Also, prom is a really formal party for the students. They say that they made the party formal, because they want to practice the right attitude when it comes to gatherings like this. Unfortunately, students nowadays don't care any of the reason why they are attending prom.

I found an article entitled "The Anti-Prom" by Abby McDonald from www.teenreads.com.

The article is about teenagers who did not spent their prom night well because of mistakes, betrayal, and getting even.

 Abby said, "For most teenagers, high school prom is a night to remember. For some, it's a night to forget."

What they did is wrong. They did not value the true meaning and the real purpose of prom. When I had my junior prom, we are known as the batch of dancers. During the dance we are creating showdowns, a lot of flipping, and some dirty-but not so dirty dancing. To be honest we look so immature. So our principal was watching us, and he got up on stage. And announced that if we don't stop what were doing, he will stop the party and we will go home exactly 9:00 in the evening. So we had no choice but to stop. And the night turned out to be really boring and a lot of slow dancing happened. Lesson learned. Act appropriately during occasions like this. Have fun, but not the over reacting kind of fun.

Why do high school students act so immature and devious when it comes to occasions like this? Well, let's just say that being mature is boring. And it includes responsibilities and what not! Plus, we used to say, "we are young, wild, and free." I mean it's our night, and moments like this does not always come. And we want some experiences. Definitely experiences.

I found an article entitled "Devious Addictions" by MeghanLS from www.teenink.com. MeghanLS said, "With one’s mind not in the same realm, a teenager views life with no worries at all." Yes, I agree to her. Because having fun is really important for teens. They don't have time to worry. Even if they are worrying, it will only last for 10-20 minutes. Then after that, they will still continue the plan. When I was a senior, our theme for prom is Red,White and Black night. That means other colors are not allowed. So we planned to be different, and wear different colors during prom. When we were talking inside the comfort room, a teacher heard our plan, she directly said to us, "I will not gonna let you girls inside the venue if you continue on doing your plan." At first we are not that scared. But we realized that it was wrong. Really wrong! Maybe because of what we were planning to do, the night will ruined or something. So we did not do it anymore. We bought our dresses with the right color. And did, enjoyed the rest of our night. Yes, planning something extraordinary in some occasions like this is really fun. But getting into trouble is not. Imagine, planning something really fun then afterwards you're gonna end up being guilty because you worried for it but then, you still continued the plan. You can still have fun without getting into trouble. Actually it's more fun when you are having fun in a right way. You don't want to hold that guilty feeling for the rest of the night, right? Your prom is one of the most unforgettable night of your life. Treasure it. Make good memories out of it.

Blogpost #1: Promposals

Promposal is the expected grand gesture of love before going to prom. The word "Promposal" is the combination of the word "prom" and "proposal." From different kinds of schools, promposals became a part of their culture. We may never know exactly who started the trend, but it seems like everyone is doing it now. There's the flash mob. The short but sweet video in the middle of a class discussion. The box of pizza that says, "Prom with me?."

Why do high school students do promposals? According to my friends who already did promposals, they want to impress their dates. Some says, because that special someone deserves a proper way to ask to go to prom. When you prompose to someone, you will make her feel very special. Why? Because prom, to that person is a special night, and the person you asked to go to prom, will feel special for that night. And you on the other hand will feel special too because, the person you asked said "yes." High school students do promposals because they want to make their prom night special.

To do a promposal you have to be creative. I found an article entitled "'Promposals' turn getting a prom date into creative challenge" by Donna Boyton from telegram.com. According to the author, "Getting asked to the prom is no longer a simple question posed as students meet at their lockers between classes or over a latte at Starbucks." I completely agree with Donna. Because if you want your date to say yes, you really have to put an effort to it. Be inspired while you're preparing your grand gesture. But before you prompose, ask yourself first why are you doing this. Yes, we all understand that you are doing this because you want a date during your prom night. But if you're just doing this because you want to boast that you have a date to prom, or you just want to experience doing a promposal, don't even think about doing it. You'll just make a person uncomfortable during their prom and you can be the reason why they didn't enjoy their night. Remember that doing a promposal means you want to make someone really special. For me, being really honest about what you feel is enough to call yourself creative.

The promposal trend somehow has an effect. I found an article entitled "15 Teens Discuss Modern Prom and 'Promposals'" by Maya Kaufman from nymag.com. According to the article, students would like to prompose, but afraid to do so because, of their fear of rejection. They are desperate to have prom dates because, they don't want to be alone in the pictures. And in other schools, if you don't have a date for prom, you don't go to prom. Maya said, "Promposals can put girls in an uncomfortable position." Which is true because girls can easily get pressured when it comes to stuff like this. I mean, a guy just asked you to go to prom! How would you feel about that? You can't just easily say "No, I'm sorry I'm going with someone else" because you can hurt his feelings. But girls, if you don't want to go to prom with the guy you are not comfortable with, simply say no and explain in a polite way. And most of all, be careful with your words and don't forget to say thank you for his effort. But the thing is, prom is a night to celebrate all of your hard works, achievements, etc. It is really not a big deal if you go to prom with your friends. Don't mind your schoolmates who got their promposals and dates, do yourself a favor and enjoy the rest of your night.