During prom season, many juniors and seniors get ready to look their best and have a night they’ll never forget. However, with these plans comes the need to balance homework, tests, school events and other holidays.
While it is only one night of the year, prom requires students to do many tasks in preparation. From planning the perfect dress, picking out jewelry and choosing dinner reservations, preparing for prom takes many hours. Along with that, prom is a full day event that requires recovery. People begin getting ready in the morning and enjoy their evening. Following prom is RAP, the after party, which lasts until two in the morning. Tired students are then unable to focus on academics or other events for the majority of the weekend and struggle to find a balance.
One of the biggest concerns from students is that AP exams take place during prom season, a time when students are striving to achieve academic success and also have fun with their friends. Junior Shalini Chandupatla decided to opt out of going to prom this year to focus on AP exams. “The preparations that go into prom like buying dresses, shopping and planning with friends takes up a significant amount of time that could be used for studying. While attending these social events is fun, it takes away productive studying time,” Chandupatla expressed.
Students are forced to make a decision between balancing a stressful time with a social life, or relaxing and preparing for tests at the risk of not participating in social events.
Another concern with prom is that it falls on the day right before Mother’s day. Students tired from a long night may not be able to show the appreciation for their mothers like they would want to. “I feel like it takes away the spotlight for moms on their special day. Mother’s day is incredibly important and taints the quality of the day for moms,” said senior Kelly Wilson.
With all of these conflicts, it appears the weekend designated for prom is one of the worst to choose for students to maintain a social life and also strive in academics. Students argue that having an earlier prom would fix these problems. “An earlier prom would help people enjoy the occasion to the fullest before shifting gears to end of the year events,” Wilson added. While the school may not be able to change this weekend due to the prom calendar of all other schools in the area, it’s crucial to consider changing for students to enjoy themselves and strive for excellence.
