By: Ashley Lapadula/Staff Writer
ashley.lapadula@fiusm.com
Valentine’s Day has caught a lot of flak in recent years for celebrating materialism rather than love. Students are definitely using money this year to impress their loved ones, from making reservations at a favorite restaurant or buying roses.
On average, Americans spend more than $700 million on Valentine’s Day, according to Consumer Reports. But, the exchange of money doesn’t necessarily mean students have forgotten the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
Whether you are going to dinner with your loved one or simply going out with a bunch of your friends, it seems that Valentine’s Day is a lot more than a silly holiday.
Students believe they owe it to themselves to spice up this day whether they are single or taken.
“You deserve that much,” said Aubrey Drake Graham, also known as the rapper known as Drake.
Speaking of Drake, Katherina Julien, a junior biology major, will be attending Drake’s concert with a couple of her best friends.
“I am looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day at this amazing concert with all my close friends. It is definitely something different for a day like this, being that most people wait in long lines for their dinner reservations,” said Julien.
Julien and her friends were the lucky few who were able to get tickets for the sold-out event.
Love is certainly in the air for some couples around campus.
Bianca Perez, a journalism student, and Matthew Hanlon, a finance major, have been very much in love now for two years. While Hanlon plans to keep his date night schedule secret, Perez expressed what she believed Valentine’s Day is about.
“I look forward to this day every year because it is not only a day to remind him how much I love him, but to also remind those around me, like my family and friends, how much I love them, too,” said Perez.
Cynthia Roig has different plans in mind. She and her girlfriend, who have been together for eight months now, will be laying low on Feb. 14.
“Our money will be put to better use the weekend after when we fly out to New York City for our first vacation together. We look forward to five days of adventure and romance with no other distractions,” said Roig.
Saving up for a vacation is certainly a unique way to relish the holiday.
“The small thought is what matters the most,” said Kristy Mena, an alumna of the University.
“Guys think they have to go above and beyond and spend their savings on this day, but really, it’s the little details and thoughts that truly stick with you for a lifetime,” she said.
“Sometimes, homemade things are unique and more special than dinner and a movie.” She even recalls a time when her date cooked her dinner, made dessert and topped the night off with her favorite glass of wine.
“The night couldn’t have been better, especially since he cooked for me and had never done so before. He was a great cook, too,” said Mena.
There are so many other ways to enjoy the holiday while keeping a decent budget in mind.
For anyone dating someone special, sending flowers or making your very own card can get you those brownie points you were hoping for.
Whether you are lying low, heading out to a concert with friends, or simply going to dinner with your significant other, enjoy the holiday for its meaning—not only this day but every day.
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