It’s about that time of year when the news carries stories of senior pranks. Oil- and water-activated slip and slides. Gorilla glue in the locks. Trees chopped down on campus. Most just aren’t that creative or funny. And some are even criminal.
If you’re prank-planning, I’d offer just three thoughts (sorry to rain on the prank parade):
1. Will this be funny in 20 years?
It might seem funny today. But funny at 18 often just seems stupid at 40. You really think you’ll find this hilarious in 20 years?
2. Is it worth the risk?
If you get caught, you could be prohibited from graduating. The college you were planning to attend this fall could rescind your admission. You could be arrested for vandalism. Is it worth the risk?
3. Would you do this if your mother had to fix it?
If your own mother had to mop up the water or switch out 100 locks or cut up and haul away the felled trees, would you still do it? The person cleaning up your prank probably is somebody’s mom or dad. If you wouldn’t want your own parent to deal with it, don’t put that burden on another person.