TOW #21-Is Prom Worth It?

     Prom, a night where most girls spend hours getting dressed together while the boys impatiently wait to get into the limousine. Michael Conchar, New York Times author, writes the humourous article "Is Prom Worth It?" exposing the faults within the evening. Despite prom being known as "an American rite of passage" (Conchar para. 1) and a time to create memories, it causes a substantial amount of expenses and social anxiety for students leading to unnecessary stress. 
     This evening filled with teenage angst cost approximately "$1,139 per family" notes Ann Carrans, another New York Times author referenced in the article. The thousand dollars that is spent annually has raised 5% percent over the last year. Since teenagers most likely aren't working full time they struggle with these expenses leaving their parents to "pay almost two-thirds of the cost" leaving their child to cover the rest.  The quick escalating price of prom is so high after students buy the prom ticket, the prom dress, alterations, shoes, corsages, dinner, transportation, tux rentals, etc not only causes stress for the student but as well as the parent. So that being said is this four to five hour event really worth the cost?
     Along with the large expenses comes the anxiety and frustration of promposals. The new world of prom asking has hit a new level of insane. Students crazy promposals range from scavenger hunts to going on an extravagant dinner to pop the question, "will you go to prom with me?". Due to the worrying about who to with, how to ask, what car to take, will s/he say yes, and of course what to wear causes many teens to become overwhelm with the process where it jeopardizes the fun aspects of the prom-spending time with your closest friends. The fear of asking someone, or even worse not going with someone adds to daily stress that teens have.
   The event of prom is given too much credit for being fun, when really it is causing stress of both teens and parents. Prom costs are out of control and excessive along with the unexplainable and ridiculous fear of possibly going alone and feeling the need to go with a date. It understandable why high school junior and senior dream of attending this "unforgettable" night with all the glitz and glamor but the prom can be easily become less expensive and not given the extra hype.

TOW #20- Importance of Art Education?

United States schools rely heavily on common subjects such as reading and math, but what about art classes? Sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz remarks that "Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence,". Many people have misconceptions of art classes, thinking that they are compiled of useless art skills, as it's "impractical" to pursue a career in art, and is a waste of time.  That being said many educational environments advocate for art classes and programs because they promote essential developmental skills along with self-expression.
 The role of art has dramatically increased, as researchers established that there are many benefits in taking art classes. New York Times article "Art Makes You Smart"  notes that art classes, whether it be music or ceramics assists developmental growth building strength in motor skills, language development, decision making, and overall visual learning. For instance, many of the motions used in art, like building a sculpture or drawing, is vital to child growth as it focuses on building fine motor skill. Art classes also advocate for creativity and self-expression by allowing children to make decision on their own and do what they want. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art a few year ago explored the relationship between art and students and demonstrated that because of art the students has "demonstrated stronger critical thinking skills, displayed higher levels of social tolerance, exhibited greater historical empathy and developed a taste for art museum and cultural institutions" and ultimately exposed students to diversity of ideas that challenge them with the different views on concepts.
Clearly, expanding art programs in school is crucial as there is a substantial amount of benefits and is an important aspect of any school curriculum.