The scene was set: I was eight years old, watching the “Suite Life on Deck” school dance episode, in which my favorite characters were dressed to the nines, as I marveled at their beautiful gowns and elaborate hairstyles, wondering when that would be me.

From that point on, I started to plan my prom.

I’m a firm believer in the power of preparation. With my busy schedule, it’s extremely important that I map out details ahead of time to save myself future aggravation. American culture says this is supposed to be one of the most magical nights of my life, and I’m going to live up to that expectation the best I can.

On Dec. 13, 2019, I purchased my prom dress. After scouring the internet for hours, I finally landed on a gorgeous blue gown straight out of a fairytale. Though it may seem a bit extreme to buy it five months in advance, but the Cinderella moment takes time, and I need every opportunity to create my dream look.

My Pinterest is loaded with pictures of other girls on their magical night, flooded with sparkly eye makeup and tips to keep my hair intact. The research is half the fun and only heightens the anticipation.

The entire week of prom will be carved out for prom-tivities for the big night. I will have to get my hair dyed, my nails done, makeup artist selected, schedule a styling appointment and maybe get a spray tan if I’m feeling adventurous. That week is prime time for the final look, and every effort will be put toward the finished product.

To my teachers, I will not be doing any homework for your classes, and will not be coming to school the day after. To my parents, I apologize for my excessive obsessing about a ‘silly school dance.’ To my eight-year-old self, you’ll get your Disney Channel moment soon and be living the sweet life on your big day.

Prom, the event all high school students and younger fantasize about since the moment they’re introduced to the Disney Channel. The final dance of my high school career, the chance to look my best and have the night of my life. It’s the moment I should have been dreaming about forever.

However, my actual concern and effort to get ready for prom is at an all-time low.

Some of my friends already have their dresses picked out and delivered, their makeup already set and their entire night already planned out to the T. Me on the other hand, I haven’t thought once about getting a dress or suit or anything. I don’t know what kind of clothing I’ll even be wearing to this thing.

I don’t really understand the concept of getting ready for one event starting half a year before it’s even going to take place. So much can change in that long period of time. Suddenly, your dress won’t fit, your skin reacts badly to the makeup you already arranged for and you even get sick the night of, not being able to even attend the magical prom night you planned for.

I’ll start to get ready maybe a month before. A month is a length of time where I can put everything into perspective and have more control over what will happen, most importantly including my health at that moment. I’m able to work well under pressure and sometimes, there are deals that spring up so close to the event that I will definitely take advantage of.

In my eyes, prom night isn’t a huge deal to me. I’m just going to go to a dance in a possibly really tight dress, hang out with some of my friends for a short period of time, leave after maybe an hour and a half and most likely end up at Culver’s alone.

My friends are all going to look beautiful and for them, I’m really excited. For me, it’s just another dance that no one will ask me to and that I’ll somewhat enjoy.