Poems not Proms: 6 Ways to Recreate the School Prom
You were startled after your sister screamed at the TV (in the living room), which was her way of sending love to the American swimming team. She was devastated at Katie Ledecky losing to Australia's Ariarne Titmus in the 400-meter freestyle finals and then the 200 meter freestyle (finals), prompting her to wonder if it was the undoing of NBC. (The network wanted to telecast the finals on primetime. The organizers relented and scheduled the finals in the morning time.) You only wished that she could shout to your (high school) buddies during your last Zoom meeting. The school prom, the now-fashionable highlight at the end of secondary school, had been postponed. You weren't the only one who felt lost, but you (and your high school friends) needed the good vibes. It doesn't mean that you won't celebrate "Freedom Day", though.
Your cousin, whom you call your best friend, didn't sympathize with your plight at all. Having a lockdown was a responsible thing to do, she said, adding that her community (in north Leeds) has been through a lot together - mass testing, online learning, positive cases. You pretended to listen, as you tried not to tell her that she won't understand your predicament. It may be impractical, if not insensitive, to plan what suits to be rented, dresses to be bought, and limos to be booked, but it won't be prom without it. You brought out your snotty side instead, quoting a line from one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays. ("Half the world, it is said, knows not how the other half live.") You believed that you deserve a prom, which would be your way to show your appreciation to your teachers. It might sound strange, but you have taken their dedication for granted. (Your English teacher often told you - and your classmates - about the essential difference between poetry and prose. You didn't recall it, as your mind was wandering at some point. You wanted to adopt a rescue dog, but your father might think that you're not old enough to handle the potty training.) Furthermore, it won't be the right time to travel in large numbers. (Your sister thought that the hosts of "Today" ignored health protocol when they visited the Tokyo Skytree. And hollering at the window cleaners revealed their lack of good manner.) So your buddies suggested some alternatives. It could be held on any day of August, if not September. A prom is a rite of passage, so it's hard to let it pass. And it doesn't have to be a grand occasion.
Fun Things to Do Without Compromising Your Safety
Ice cream, barbecue and cupcakes. A school meal campaign is the last thing that would come to mind during the pre-pandemic era, so the pandemic teach you something: No one journey is the same. Go out (without forgetting your face mask), make your own (journey), and food should bring your classmates and teachers together. You can ask your mother (or sister) how to personalize those cupcakes, which your buddies - and teachers - would love. The temperature in some states reached 100 degrees, which was the first in a decade. It forced many to hunkered down and eat ice cream. You don't want to be last in the line.
Virtual prom. It should be the closest to the real thing, which would be better than nothing. Someone might have a place, which would be big enough for a car and a small group to dress up for those Instagram-worthy pictures. If you're thinking of renting a place, then plan it carefully. You're tempted to throw caution to the wind, as you're thinking about your mental health. Money might be a problem, though.
Write a poem. Your professor noted that prose must be analyzed as a whole, as the author's tone would reveal the author's message. It might not be the case with poetry, and it would be fun to write a line or two. (You won't admit it to your English teacher, though.) There's no need to borrow a line from a Shakespeare's play, so make your own. Don't worry if your friends would laugh at it. This might be a stress reliever.
Plan another prom next summer. There's nothing wrong with having another prom. One of your classmates thought that Miley Cyrus's "Party in the USA" should have been played during Macy's July 4 show, prompting another to wonder if it should be the opening song during your prom (next summer). It's a good thing to think about such things, which should make you forget about what have you gone through during the past year. It would be better to keep it short, as something may come up.
An end-of-year play. Your cousin recounted a play, which would highlight the end of the school year in her hometown (in north Leeds). It might be possible to stage a virtual play, where all characters don't have to share the same stage, and one of you could play the role of a heartwarming grandmother, assuring everyone of better days ahead. If no one is willing to try it, then your mother (or sister) might be interested in it.
Another virtual meeting. This meeting should be different from the others, as the prom would mark the end of your secondary education. What are your expectations about college? The answers would vary, as the pandemic changed everything. The discussion might turn serious, which no one should interrupt. You have been through a lot together.
Fundraising For Your Prom?
Your cousin suggested fundraising for your prom, as she cited her professor doing lots of fundraisers (for the proms). It's not really important to worry about what you would look like during "Freedom Day", she pointed out, making you wonder if it would be better to have fewer expectations. The answer is yes. Your friends might disagree with it, but being there in the moment would be more important. Are you ready for another Zoom chat? You might have to wait for an answer, as your father remarked that NBC saw millions of dollars in the Ledecky-Titmus rivalry (in the 2024 Summer Olympics). Your sister disagreed with him, which was followed by another argument.
