By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
Roses sitting in an apartment – Photo by Gionna Bean
Symbols such as hearts, Cupid’s arrow, and red roses clearly signal that Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love. However, for some, this day brings out more negative feelings.
Freshman Nolynn Coombs voiced a sentiment shared by many. “I don’t like it, because it’s really no fun unless you’re currently in a relationship,” Coombs said. This view is shared by many students on campus, as Valentine’s Day tends to focus on romantic love.
To address this conflict, Aquinas campus events offered alternatives that weren’t exclusively focused on couples. One such event, Stuff a Plush, allowed all students to participate in a fun, low-pressure activity where they could create their own stuffed animals.
Food table at Stuff a Plush event – Photo by Aquinas SAO via Instagram
Additionally, events like the self-care day held in Saint Catherine of Siena Hall embraced a Galentine’s theme, ensuring that students without a romantic partner could still join in the festivities.
The term Galentine’s Day has grown in popularity among students, particularly as a way to celebrate with close friends. Freshman Cece Faber shared how she and her friends made Valentine’s Day mailboxes, much like they did in elementary school. “My friends and I like to make little Valentine’s Day mailboxes out of shoe boxes or something and put little valentines in them for each other,” Faber said. It’s a tradition that focuses on friendship rather than romance, a sentiment that many students appreciate.
Sophomore Ava Koester also embraces this more inclusive view of the holiday. “I think it’s a day that can be celebrated with all loved ones, including friends, family, and couples,” she said. Koester believes the holiday should be about more than just romantic love and hopes that everyone feels welcome to celebrate the day in their own way. The growing popularity of Galentine’s, which emphasizes friendships, reflects a broader societal shift toward recognizing all types of love on Valentine’s Day.
As the holiday continues to evolve, more students on campus are finding ways to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to them, whether it’s with romantic partners, friends, or family. The events leading up to Valentine’s Day at Aquinas Campus this year highlight the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the spirit of love, no matter their relationship status.
The Saint 