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Flynn Myers, Staff Writer

On Feb. 6 in Jasper Hall, resident assistant (RA) and junior Ian Pruiksma held an event for all students to make homemade Valentine’s Day cards. The event provided attendees with all the necessary materials to make the cards and spark their creativity including colorful paper, markers and colored pencils. 

Keeping in mind traditional Valentine’s Day gifts and celebrations, Pruiksma wanted to allow students to have a chance to create cards with meaningful messages for the people most important to them at no cost. 

With the new year in full swing, Pruiksma discussed Residence Life’s goal to offer more events that will encourage community building and collaboration, as well as give students a chance to meet new friends. Pruiksma found that this event was a simple way to get students involved, together and thinking creatively.

“Residence Life this year is trying to up the quality of their events,” Pruiksma said. “So, this one is simple, just arts and crafts, but it’s supposed to be a community building experience.”

The main message Pruiksma wanted the event to have was “fun”. When discussing the reasons behind creating the event, she emphasized her love for Valentine’s Day and wanted to spread her own joy by having people make cards for others or even for themselves. 

“I just wanted to do something cute,” Pruiksma said. “I really like Valentine’s Day because it is cute and pink.”

The supplies for the cards were laid out on a table for people to take freely and make them their own. Many students designed their cards with bright backgrounds. Pruiksma also made some example cards to help spark students’ imaginations. Her cards featured phrases on them that said, “You light up my life!” or, “Will you officially be my Valentine?” 

Jamie Schneider, senior marketing major, discussed what he was going to do with the cards he made, as well as his thoughts on the upcoming holiday. Schneider also emphasized to The Quadrangle how giving to others on the holiday can help spread kindness.

“I’m planning on making a couple,” Schneider said. “I thought it would be fun making cute drawings. I like making Valentines, and I think it’s nice to give people a Valentine.”

  Many students wrote to people that were closest to them, while some made multiple cards to spread the message of love this Valentine’s Day. Elisa Ortiz, a senior environmental studies and psychology double major, spoke about the certain people on her mind who she wanted to give her cards to, and even spilled who would be her Valentine this year.

“I’m going to write one for my grandma,” Ortiz said. “She’s my best friend, and this will be two years in a row of her being my Valentine. But, I also asked my old roommate to be my Valentine, so I got to make two cards, and then make some for my sisters too. I got plans.”