...of Valentine's Day: Dorm Style

Beautiful roses, decadent chocolates, candy hearts, and pink and red galore. These are just some of the many wonderful things Valentine's Day brings with it each year. Although many people find February 14th to be too commercialized or even depressing, there is something undeniably heart-warming about reminding those you love how much they really mean to you.

I can still remember those first few elementary school Valentine's Days. They were filled with heart-shaped party foods, "Most Creative Valentine's Box" competitions, and cards representing the most popular cartoon characters of the day. I am proud to say that I was the back-to-back third and fourth grade "Most Creative Box" competition victor. My robot and castle-inspired creations were truly genius. Unfortunately, as we grow older, robot-themed boxes and heart-shaped rice krispie treats soon become overshadowed by more extravagant gifts, such as jewelry and roses.

It was for this reason that the women of my house in Campbell Hall decided to do something a bit more old school this year. Instead of hoping for expensive gifts from family, friends, or significant others, we decided to revisit our elementary days and have a good old-fashioned valentine exchange.

In order to make this happen, each of us decorated a paper bag and placed it outside of our room. We then exchanged the typically corny cards we treasured so much as children. The fact that these valentines weren't costly or over-the-top made them all the more special, and I truly appreciated the thought and generosity that was put into each and every one.

So, the moral of my story is that when we were eight years old, we didn't need a significant other to make us happy on Valentine's Day. All we needed was some candy, a Scooby Doo valentine card, and some really great classmates. And Valentine's Day at UNI can give you just that! :)

Panther love,

~ Jordan, STAR