Verison of story originally published in print for the Western Carolinian
Valentine’s Day is a source of joy and anxiety for many people on campus and causes much anticipation as the day approaches. Whether you are single, in a long-distance relationship or living with your partner: everyone celebrates the holiday differently.
Historically, Valentine’s Day on WCU’s campus is an opportunity for clubs/organizations to host fundraisers, food drives and raise money for various causes. However, what is so unique about celebrating Valentine’s Day as a student is the student element of the celebration.
For WCU junior Jennifer Dunn and her partner Eathan Terry, a junior at Georgia State, their relationship is long distance. This poses a special challenge for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Most times, they are not able to see each other in person at all. However, Dunn believes that long distance was a smart decision for them.
“We both have grown into our own people, and we experience college in ways that we couldn’t if we went to the same place,” Dunn said. “I love my life in these beautiful mountains, and I really have found myself. I’ve gotten to explore my love for the outdoors here, and Eathan has gotten to explore city life in Georgia state. We’ve grown into the people we were meant to be, and we both love who the other has become.”
Dunn remarks that the growth they experienced as individuals wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t been long-distance. Distance makes the heart grow fonder but also makes the fleeting time they spend together even more important.
“It also makes my time with Eathan so precious. I never take a moment for granted with him, because I only see him every other weekend. It makes every goodbye kiss more special, while also harder. Watching him drive off, or wave to me from the parking lot as I leave always breaks my heart, but I know it’s all worth it,” Dunn said.
This year, they are closing the distance gap to celebrate together. “We’re going to Chattanooga for a weekend and spending time together in the city and hiking,” Dunn said, adding that not every year is as lucky as this year.
WCU students and a new couple, Madolyn Mueske and Dillon Acevedo, are spending their first Valentine’s day together this year. It is special because they have never really celebrated Valentine’s before.
“We’re doing either something cheesy or cliché like dinner and a movie or fort picnic. It’s our first Valentine’s Day and neither of us have actually really celebrated it,” Mueske said that they’ve never done something cheesy or wholesome just because they could.
For some, being single on Valentine’s Day is a reason to despair but Anthony Clark, a sophomore and recreational therapy major, disagrees. Though he may be single, he looks forward to taking some personal time with himself and his friends.
“I’m going to watch soccer and then hang out with my friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day and our friend’s birthday,” said Clark. Just like Dunn, Clark also takes the time he has on his own being single as a moment for self-development and to experience college in his own way.
Valentine’s Day is for everyone, and it is important to celebrate the ones you love as it is equally important to take time for yourself and work on self-love strategies.
WCU’s campus hosted many Valentine’s Day activities whether you attended just yourself or with a partner. Last Minute Productions hosted their second annual speed dating from 4 to 7 p.m. in the UC grand room. Also, a Valentine’s Day social was held on Feb. 13 in Killian building room 107. Visit WCU’s ENGAGE page for more information about on-campus events.
