By Alexandria Webb
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many Grand Rapids Community College students are preparing for a night out or for a night in with those they love. While preparing, here are some insights from students on what Valentine’s Day means to them and some advice for others planning their holiday.
Alan Ramirez, 19, of Grand Rapids and his girlfriend, Stephanie Garcia, 20, of Grand Rapids, have been together for around five months. They met in high school and had the same friend group, yet didn’t start dating until they saw each other in the same class at GRCC.
“Maybe go to a comedy show, and then we’re gonna build some legos together,” said Garcia, when sharing their plans for the day.
There is debate on how couples or friends should go about gift giving. Instead of the price of a gift, there is a way that a more intimate gift can highlight the love someone has
“Just right now we were thinking more instead of item-wise, we were just gonna do something more sentimental,” explained Garcia. “I definitely like getting something that makes me feel appreciated.”
On the topic of gifts, Casey Tett, 20, of Grand Rapids, shared similar thoughts.
“I think I like personal gifts more, like a card or a book, something more thought out than just flowers,” said Tett.
A friend of Tett, Lucy Schmiedt, 18, of Grand Rapids, agreed, “It would also be nice if it was meaningful from the heart or something I am personally into.”
Our culture sometimes focuses this holiday on romantic love, yet this day can celebrate the love of friends and family. Tett and Schmiedt shared their thoughts on this as well.
“I think it’s more just like a celebration. A lovey can make it special…for me it can be like not just be (about) romantic relationships,” Tett said, explaining that she is spending the day with her nephews making cards and crafts.
Schmiedt explained what Valentine’s Day means to her. She said the holiday not only forms a connection between her and her boyfriend, but with her family as well.
“It’s also me and my boyfriend’s anniversary, so it means that to me,” said Schmiedt. “And then also kind of like a family thing, me and my family like to give each other gifts for Valentine’s Day.”
This day sometimes can be put off as just another useless ‘Facebook holiday’ yet it is a good reminder to reflect on the ones you love and show them appreciation.
“I think everybody needs to celebrate love. At least one day out of the year,” said Coties Gillen, 20, of Grand Rapids. “Some people don’t get married, so they don’t get anniversaries or certain types of little things that other people get to get. So Valentine’s Day is just a separate day for other people.”
A common thought shared between students was to not make Valentine’s Day a grand scheme full of plans or to make it super extravagant and luxurious.
“Don’t make it like a huge thing… If you know it’s something you want to celebrate, throw a few dollars in, but make some personalized gifts that you can make at home for free, like a craft,” advised Schmiedt.
Simpler might be better and more intimate with whoever you share a gift with.
“It doesn’t have to be like this huge thought-out thing to be special, don’t overspend… you don’t need grand gestures to make an evening nice,” said Tett.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be stressful. This is a day to reflect and appreciate the people you love, rather than a day focused on how money gets spent.
“Don’t just look at this day as just a day for gifts or anything like that. Just look at it like a time to spend with your significant other. Enjoy it,” said Gillen.
