WHAT DOES THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY LOOK LIKE?
Valentine’s Day looks different for everyone. Some people spend them with a significant other, while some have other plans. The SIREN went around asking Lincoln Park students what their dream Valentine’s Day would look like and what they plan to do this year.
In your opinion, what is the best Valentine’s gift?
“Something thoughtful, sentimental, and not spending a lot of money,” states Mark Veon, a senior pre-law major. “Something like a picture and a nice card. Maybe writing a letter. Something that actually shows love and not, like, an expensive gift.”
Camille Estellon, a junior fine arts and design major from South Fayette, shares a similar opinion.
“Something that’s handmade and, like, super thoughtful,” she says. “Obviously things that are super materialistic that you can buy can be nice, but something that has been made and crafted for you feels a lot better.”
What’s the best date for Valentine’s Day?
Out of the people we interviewed, it seems the majority of them don’t have high standards for their ideal date. Most just like something small and simple.
“I would say a nice dinner; [my] standards are low,” says senior health science major Journnie Scales from Midland.
Milo Collins, a junior media major from New Brighton, states, “Probably hanging out with someone, like, just at your house, [or] doing something you both like, like playing video games or watching a movie.”
Senior health science major Addison Bullard from Midland explains how all it takes to have the perfect date is to just go to a fast-food chain.
“I think taking me to McDonald’s to get me a five-dollar meal [is good]. A big mac if you’re feeling generous.”
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
As many of you may know, Lincoln Park’s Semi-Winter Formal is taking place on Valentine’s Day. The question is: will this affect what students decide to do on Feb. 14?
Out of the people we had the chance to interview, none of them seemed to be planning to attend the dance. To learn more about the reason behind this, check out “Is Lincoln Park Getting Strange on Valentine’s Day?”
“So, the winter formal is on Valentine’s Day, but I don’t know if I’m going to that,” Estellon says. “I know my boyfriend has one big extravagant thing planned, so whatever he decides to do is what I’m doing.”
Not every Valentine’s Day has to be spent with a significant other. Scales tells us how she is spending the holiday with her friends and having a “Galantine’s Day.”
The day is almost here, and students are preparing for the holiday, however they choose to do it.
WHAT DO TEACHERS THINK OF VALENTINE’S DAY?
Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and while some teachers seem to be planning something special for their significant others, not all are ready for the holiday. We gathered some of the Lincoln Park faculty’s opinions on Valentine’s Day, as well as their favorite memories.
Amanda Parasida (Math Department)
What is your opinion on Valentine’s Day? Do you enjoy it or not?
“I don’t enjoy it a lot of times. It’s not something I’ve ever really liked. I think it’s kind of a silly holiday to be honest with you. It’s not something that I celebrate.”
Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Story?
“My parents got remarried on Valentine’s Day when I was eight! They were divorced for seven years but ended up getting remarried–crazy, I know!” Mrs. Parisida wrote in an email.
Jonathan Leber (Science Department)
Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Story?
“My wife and I–we’ll go out to dinner. This past year, we had our son [make] his first, like, Valentines, so that was special.”
How has Valentine’s Day changed over the years, if it has?
“I think there’s a little bit more importance on it, and it’s great because it provides a special kind of moment thing. But, as far as the day itself changing, I don’t think there’s too much. It’s just a little more over the top than it used to be.”
Desirea Hairston (English Department)
What is your opinion on Valentine’s Day? Do you enjoy it or not?
“I’m sort of neutral when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I think for myself, it’s not necessarily my favorite holiday, but I could see why people find joy in it. I just think that it’s kind of just another day for me, but I think it’s cute and fun for other people.”
What’s your favorite thing to give or get, depending on what you like doing?
“I love chocolate-covered strawberries from Roslyn’s Candy Castle in New Britain. And it’s the one thing that every year I tell my husband, if he’s going to get me something, I want the chocolate-covered strawberries.”
Mark Harmon (History Department)
What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day story?
“One time, when I was in–I think–third or fourth grade, I ate too many of those Valentine’s Day hearts, and I had to go to the nurse because my stomach hurt. I tried to see how many I could eat.”
How has Valentine’s Day changed over the years, if it has?
“My wife does not like Valentine’s Day. So, it’s changed for me because I just buy her flowers on a different day in February. We go out to dinner a week or two after or before. Just because she doesn’t like Valentine’s Day for whatever reason.”
As it seems, most Lincoln Park students and faculty have some plan for Valentine’s Day. While some are deciding to go to the Winter Semi-Formal, others are deciding to keep it simple. No matter what you decide to do on this special holiday, at the end of the day, it’s “just another silly holiday.”
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Leave a comment below!
SIREN staff members Elena Cable, Hailey Ake, Sha’vaih Sewell, and Veda Poling also contributed to this story.
