BY SAM CIBULSKI
For years, prom has been a time honored emblem of fun among young students across the world. The early traditions of prom (short for promenade) were used to teach manners and etiquette to you adults entering society in the late 19th century, but since their adoption into high school culture, the meaning behind prom has shifted. Now, young adults all over the country indulge in a night of dancing and fun, usually to celebrate the end of the school year.
Prom is a magical night that many high school students look forward to, but it can definitely come with a hefty price tag. When the cost of tickets, formal attire, accessories, flowers, photos, and transportation are added up, the total can easily climb into hundreds of dollars per person. Despite the possibly daunting price, students all over the world are finding ways to reduce the costs, little by little. Plenty of Northwood students have picked up beautifying talents, like doing nails or doing hair, on their own time to prepare for big ticket events like prom. Gen Z is all about ‘DIY’ or doing-it-yourself, and cosmetology practices are no different.
“I learned how to do my own nails a couple months ago,” Senior Gabby Terrell said. “The supplies can be expensive at first, but my friends let me practice on them, and I got good enough to charge people, so I’ve already made back the supplies. It’s also just fun to learn and grow and watch myself get better.”
That’s just one way NHS students are working to save money, not just for prom, but for everyday activities as well.
With thrifting growing in popularity, many young adults have grown accustomed to shopping second hand. Not only is it most often affordable, but it’s also more environmentally responsible,with people purchasing and tailoring clothing that has already been owned and loved, giving old clothes a second life.
“I like that you’re not buying something new that’s not currently being mass produced,” Senior Savannah Stahoviak advocates, “It’s very original and you can find more interesting stuff in thrift stores than department stores, and thrift stores are cheap.
Pittsboro is a hot-spot for all things thrifty, with Screaming For Vintage and Studio 17 located right in the heart of Pittsboro. Screaming For Vintage has a wide variety of vintage clothes, some dating all the way back to the 1920’s. Students can find vintage formal wear for dances along with items for a regular day at school at these shops. Studio 17’s slogan ‘New Karma for Old Threads’ does the shop justice, highlighting the importance of shopping second hand. The store has everything from clothing to shoes to jewelry, providing an eco-friendly alternative for students that are tight on cash.
The online shopping game has also been changed, with re-selling sites such as Depop and Poshmark giving people all over the world accessible second-hand clothing. In an ever changing world, reducing our waste and increasing our community connections is key. Whether that be getting your nails and hair done by a classmate or simply shopping at a local business, the possibilities of supporting your neighbors (and wallets) are endless.
