Remember how exciting it was junior and senior year of high school during prom season? What if we could relive that moment or experience it for the first time?
Getting manis and pedis, shopping for that one-of-a-kind dress that no other girl dares to have, riding there, dragging your nonchalant boyfriend along because really this night was about you and post-prom plans made you go broke. But none of that mattered. That was one of the last hurrahs for you and your friends before you parted ways for life after high school, and everyone looking fancy was a huge plus.
After it’s all over, what happens next? That overpriced dress sits in the back of your closet collecting dust, tuxedos are returned and the only recollections of that night are pictures you’ve been tagged in on Facebook. There are some cases where our peers didn’t get a chance to experience prom at all; they have to vicariously live through the memory of their friends. That is why Georgia State should have a prom that everyone feels welcome to attend.
The average college student never truly gets the opportunity to dress up. We get so caught up in being a student and are always on the go that name-brand sweats are the closest we get to being fancy. The only time you see a guy in a suit shouldn’t be because of a job interview, and club dresses are not acceptable outside of the club. Wouldn’t it be nice to show out at least once every school year? Let us not forget the people couldn’t afford prom in high school: This is their golden opportunity.
There are of course a few things to consider if this were to happen.
Who would put this on? What would be the theme? When would we host it? Where would it be held? Why even consider it? And how would we pay for it? I’m sure organizations like Spotlight, LEAD Team, Panther’s Allure or Infinite Appeal could pull it off. The student body could vote on a theme; it could be held on Georgia State’s founding day, on Valentine’s Day or during homecoming. The Student Center has more than enough room. This is an opportunity to mingle with people you didn’t even know existed, and fundraising is always an option. Those same DJs from Panther Prowl could be in charge of music and Georgia State food services could cater. This time, you don’t have to worry being on your parent’s budget because pricing is all up to you.
Some people may think that a college prom is juvenile. Well, just like in high school, your attendance isn’t mandatory. To reiterate, some people were robbed of their chance of a prom so this may appeal to them. For those of you who have been locking eyes with a certain someone and have been waiting for an opportune time to strike up a conversation, this is your chance.
Not everyone had a magical prom and some wish they could turn back the hands of time and do something differently. A college prom could change that. This could bring a lot people together, and last but not least, everyone could have a good time and look good doing it.
