Love was in the air this Feb. 14 as Shoreline Community College students took a break from midterms and transfer applications to spend the day expressing their love for others. On Feb. 12 in the PUB Quiet Dining Room, the peer mentors of SCC began their displays of affection early with Valentine’s letters, sweets and chocolate fondue.

“Many students came to make their customized cookies and enjoyed strawberries coated with chocolates. Some even wrote little letters for their friends or close ones to show some love,” Carina Hsieh, a student ambassador, explained.

Valentine’s Day is about more than flowers and confessions, sometimes it’s all about the food. SCC student Benji Mui, celebrated by, “trying out different types of restaurants.”

Alicia Hadi Wibowo explained that she celebrated “gal-entines” with a fancy dinner, dressed up with her friends. “It is important to celebrate friendships… and the love you have for them,” she explained.

Amalia Akagi, an SCC employee, displayed her love to her co-workers. “I got some of the people in my office little Star Wars valentines (Baby Yoda cards)… like the ones I received in elementary school,” she said.

On Feb. 14, another Valentine’s Day event was held in the PUB Main Dining Room. Students lined up for the seemingly bottomless fondue then moved further into the party: blowing bubbles; decorating frames, cards and cookies; and fashioning charm bracelets for their best mates. Sam Hui, one of the event coordinators, explained that they, “wanted to give them a nice Valentine’s Day regardless of whether they are single or couples.”

The inclusivity of the day was just what everyone on campus needed. Valentine’s Day should be a day of spending time with your loved ones; huddling up with your “gals”, “pals” and “homies”; feeling the comfort of knowing you are loved and appreciated.