Normally, the Student Government Association argues for more parking spaces. But the week before Valentine’s Day it decided to play Cupid.
On Feb. 7, the SGA hosted its second annual Speed Dating event.
“People like love,” said Ava Lowe, SGA secretary and the main organizer of the event.. “People like this type of stuff. Let’s do this big event themed around love and I think it will be successful.
“A lot of people commute, so a lot of people probably don’t have friends,” she said. “That’s why I decided I wanted something for students to come out and actually be forced to talk to each other.”
The event, held at Alumni Hall in Hammond, was split into two sections: one for those looking for love, the other for those seeking friendships with potential to become something more.
In the friends section, tables were set up with card games and conversation starters. At the speed dating tables, potential partners sat across from each other, and had two minutes to stare into each other’s eyes to see if they could light a spark before moving on to the next person.
Speed Dating helped some students step out of their comfort zone and meet new people.
“I struggle with approaching people, and it seemed like a good chance to do that,” said Elias Christos, who just recently transferred, and saw the event as an opportunity to meet new people. “I’m very introverted. Plus, this is my first time on the Hammond campus and I wanted to attend as many events as possible.”
Quinn Carter, an undergraduate student, felt there was no downside to participating.
“I’m a transfer student and I wanted to make some friends,” he said. “It was posted in one of my classes and I was, like, what could possibly go wrong?”
Malina Harris, who went to the friends section, echoed the sentiment while acknowledging some criticism of Valentine’s Day.
“I feel the pros and cons of it,” she said. “Because some people see it as a ‘Hallmark’ holiday or something like that, but at the same time I feel like it’s a holiday for giving some remembrance to somebody you love.”
