Students don't need a significant other to celebrate Cupid's Day.

Valentines Day is a holiday for anyone wanting to express appreciation to those around them.

Students have differing opinions about this day of love. Many celebrate it as an extraordinary day and others don't realize it is even a holiday.

Ryan White, a sophomore from Twin Falls, Idaho, with an open major, said Valentine's Day is about the people you choose to spend it with.

"The most ideal Valentine's date would be to spend a day with your sweetheart just finding ways to let them know why they are so important to you," White said. "It doesn't matter what you do or how much money you spend, but allowing somebody to know your feelings is the important part."

Some students have some creative ideas for group activities on Valentine's Day.

"I think it would be fun going up to Midway. After a dinner, my friends and I could enjoy the hot-pots," said Amy Kolter, from Nampa, Idaho, majoring in nursing. "On Valentines day everyone deserves to enjoy the relaxation of the natural hot springs."

Many students said they are leaving town since the holiday falls on an extended weekend.

Some students are resorting back to the days of Kindergarten and making valentines for the important people in their lives.

"A bunch of us are going up to a cabin in Bear Lake to ride four-wheelers," said David Driggs, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., a construction management major. "We are making valentines cards and writing corny love poems to each other."

Other students aren't as creative.

"The Lakers aren't on television on Valentine's Day so I will probably just sit home and watch a movie," said Jon Black, a junior, from Orem, majoring in political science.

Some students view the holiday as nothing to celebrate.

Brandon Hagler, a freshman from Orem, majoring in international relations, said his Valentine's highlight will be the heart shaped pizzas he is delivering tonight.

"Valentine's Day is overrated. I think a creative activity is working and playing upon the sympathy of others," Hagler said. "As a pizza delivery boy, I hope that people will give me good tips for having to work on Valentines Day. I will be helping others."

The romantic stereotype of Valentine's Day is not completely true.

While the holiday is not just for couples, others don't acknowledge its existence.

However, some just take time to say 'thank-you' or 'I love you' to someone special.

Valentine's Day is individualistic to each person or couple. But many students said regardless of what activities are planned; students should take time to be nicer on this holiday of love.



Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Feb 2003