As winter drags on, our attention is drawn to a very special day on the calendar, Valentine’s Day. Originating in ancient Rome, it is a day of love and romance.
But as young adults in a stressful period in their lives, many find that they do not have time for romance.
So, is it right to for the school to host Valentine’s Day celebrations. Does it cause them to feel uncomfortable or maybe even ostracized?
“It opens the door for people to feel left out,” said freshman Anna Cohen. “But it is also beneficial because instead of people spending money outside the school…it goes towards things we need.”
This is the right way to look at the event. The focus is not on popularity, but on helping the school improve.
Also, the fact that events are held by school clubs change the situation a bit because it forces the students to think about the cause they are supporting. Valentine themed items are sold in the lobby and bakesales are held. It is as if you are sending a little love to the school.
Others like the idea of the event but find they are disappointed when they don’t receive anything.
“I think that it is such a sweet thing to offer at school,” said junior Erin McDonough. “I always counted on my sister to get me one…but this year she isn’t in Schreiber. So it’s a little sad.”
Even though it is a “sweet idea” it causes students to feel down, which begs the question of how sweet it really is. It is an alluring thought in theory, a flower for a loved one, but in reality not everyone will receive one.
Would they rather not have to suffer that blow?
Well, there are students who find that it does not bother them in the least bit. Flower or no flower they are indifferent.
“It doesn’t really affect me at all, but I can see how it can make people feel ostracized because they don’t have a valentine and seeing it makes them feel alone,” said sophomore Helen Merlos.
So, is having a Valentine’s Day extravaganza a pro or a con?
It has its flaws because it is a reminder to all those single students that they are single.
But for the most part it is a pro. The event provides funding for a school club and perhaps provides a platform for students to be kinder to each other.
“The students are generally in a good
mood on that day and tend to be nicer to each other than they normally would be,” said junior Roberto Vides.
After all, Valentine’s Day is not just about showing how much you love your sweetheart.
It is also about how much you love your friends and family. Therefore, there is no need to feel down or sad because there is always someone who you love and who loves you back. Make the best of it and take it as a day to be compassionate.
Smile in the halls, wave hello, and wish anyone you speak to a happy Valentine’s Day, it may just be able to take the place of a flower or a box of chocolates.