Prom Pressure

Published on 22 May 2025 at 09:00

Prom is basically an excuse to max out your dad’s credit cards on a $1,500 dress, new heels, and an updo that’s going to fall apart by 6 p.m. But what happens when you end up at prom surrounded by mostly strangers, and form a tiny friend group with the people sitting at your table? Prom was just a few weeks ago, and I still can't shake the feeling of how perfect it was. From dinner to dancing to making friends, the night was a total hit.

 

After a long day of gluing on fake nails and curling my hair at home, my best friend Jill and I finally headed out for my senior prom. PA Cybers prom was on the Gateway Clipper, a boat that rides along the three rivers in Pittsburgh. Once leaving a trail of sparkles in the car and a very long car ride, we stopped at Mount Washington to take photos before the festivities started, just as we did the year before. The theme was Enchanted Evening, which was honestly perfect. My sea-foam dress was laced with delicate leaves, and Jill’s purple sparkling gown shimmered in the sunlight. Standing over the city with the light glowing on our dresses, it felt like magic. Everything was perfect.

Walking onto the boat was a little nerve-wracking. We couldn’t find a spot right away, so after walking a 360 circle around the boat, we ended up sitting kind of in the middle of nowhere. This decision totally made our night, and going back I wouldn't want to sit anywhere else. Three girls were at the other end of our table, one in a pink gown, another in a sparkling blue dress and the last in a beautiful blue. At first, because of the nerves, no one said anything. But by the end of the dinner service, one of them finally broke the silence and we formed a small group between us.

 

After that, it was on. Jill and I quickly clicked with Ray, Lyric, and Khallie, a trio who seemed born to dance the night away with us. We hit the photo booth, made endless song requests to the DJ, and danced with light sticks until our feet hurt. I also grabbed a photo with the student council (and shoutout to my friends Lanie and Caitlin). One of my favorite parts was when my best friend, Jill, found a boy to dance with for the last couple hours. Going out onto the boat felt amazing, feeling the breeze pan against my face and dress, all the stress of prom finally came together. It really isn't about the dress or the makeup, it's all about living and enjoying these once in a lifetime experiences. The night flew by, and before we knew it, it was over. We hugged our new friends goodbye and left with a small lantern as a parting gift. A perfect ending.

 

What really stood out to me was how kind and fun the teachers were while keeping an eye on things. Saying goodbye to PA Cyber and the faculty is genuinely tough, I’ve  had nothing but positive experiences with them. Prom at a cyber school might sound strange to some, but being there in person, meeting new people, and making real memories? Totally worth it.

 

We all exchanged socials and still keep in touch. If I could give anyone advice about prom, it’d be this: be comfortable, be confident. As long as you’re with the right people, everything will fall into place. (Oh, and bring a change of shoes!)

 

Latte Love,

Jill ☕️



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Comments

Fiona
20 days ago

Love you miss girl ❤️
You’re dress looks perfect on you

Pap
14 days ago

Sounds like you made good memories
and new friends
Now rest and relax for Seton Hill will be your next adventure.
Love Pap