Students discuss V-Day

Valentine’s Day is an important holiday for some, but completely ignored by others.

Since it is not a national paid day off, some, like graduate student Drew Fisher, do not consider Valentine’s Day to be a “real” holiday. Fisher said, however, that he usually takes his wife on a date on Valentine’s Day, and celebrates with a bottle of wine and some flowers.

Others, like freshman Mishel Jamil, do not consider it a holiday because it is not celebrated by everyone. Jamil said it “should be more about friends/family, not only just about a significant other.”

Some students not only disregard V-Day, but do nothing to celebrate.

“Now that I’m older, I just ignore it,” freshman Alyssa Haynes said. “It should be about friendship instead of relationships, to be more inclusive with everyone.”

This year, graduate student Rachel Haskamp gave Valentine’s Day treats to her co-workers – boxes containing lip balm and a miniature bottle of lotion. She thinks modern celebrating should be different.

“I think some schools no longer do valentines swapping – I think they still should,” she said. “There are ways teachers and parents can make sure kids don’t feel left out.”

Graduate student Josh Moxley celebrates with dinner and a movie.

“I think everybody celebrates a little differently,” Moxley said.

Graduate student Joseph Froeschl does not celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“I think if you have a loved one in your life, you should show them every day,” he said.

Of the students surveyed, only a few knew how Valentine’s Day started. Among the guesses were Cupid, St. Valentine, marketing experts, and Hallmark.

mheiman@unews.com