For senior Chihiro Yoshida, a perfect date doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. It means going to downtown Chicago with her boyfriend Monish, a junior Computer Graphicsmajor, and enjoying each other’s company.  

“I feel comfortable and safe when I hang out with him, and everywhere for me could be special as long as I am with him and have fun,” she said.  

Yoshida, a Computer Graphics Technology major, imagines starting her ideal date at a stylish restaurant with a beautiful view, a place where she can take perfect photos to fully enjoy and save that moment.  

“It would be perfect if I can take satisfactory pictures because they are not just pictures,” she said. “It also captures that moment’s happiness and feelings, which like a time machine takes me back to that moment whenever I see that picture.”  

Afterward, her perfect date would involve a walk on Michigan Avenue, shopping and exchanging surprise gifts. The gifts themselves are less important than the thought involved in choosing them. Later, she would like to relax in a cozy café to decompress and talk without rushing.  

The evening would end with music.   

“I really hope we can go to a live music bar,” said Chihiro, who has been teaching herself to play the guitar. “We are both big fans of music, I cannot wait for that moment when we can sing and dance together there.” 

She said this ideal date hasn’t happened yet because money is limited. 

“I feel bad spending too much of my parents’ money since they already helped me to pay tuition fees,.” she said. “I hope I can enjoy this kind of lifestyle after graduating and starting a job.”