Students find ways to spend Feb. 14 non-traditionally

While some students cherish the flowers and candy today begets, others denounce Valentine's Day as a corporate ploy perpetuating consumerist gluttony.

Andy Free, a pre-business junior, said he thinks Valentine's Day cheapens other worthwhile celebrations.

"It's just a bunch of corporate crap, but I guess Christmas is too," Free said. "Halloween - that's a holiday."

Other students agree Valentine's Day ranks low on the holiday hierarchy.

Psychology senior Kyle Lynch said he will not observe today's "Hallmark holiday."

"I'm against it," he said. "I'll be sitting at home with my girlfriend - my left hand."

Lynch said he doesn't have a problem with other non-secular holidays less centered on gifts and competition.

"St. Patrick's Day is a social celebration with no expectations," he said. "On Valentine's Day you have to perform."

Aaron Ohms, a finance sophomore, shares the sentiment.

"St. Patrick's day - at least that's for people who are Irish," said Ohms. "Valentine's Day is a huge waste of money for a few hours of fun. Halloween's a more credible holiday."

Ohms said he likes getting candy from his parents every year on Valentine's Day, but does not buy in to the spectacle of it all.

"When you're in elementary school you have the mailboxes and little cards, but when you're older it's just a corporate ploy," Ohms said. "There's all these commercials for expensive jewelry and candy. It's pretty much just a holiday for girls wanting dudes to buy them stuff. They get lingerie and have a little fun."

Computer science freshman Bill Pateracki said as with any other holiday, Valentine's Day is up for personal interpretation.

"You take it into your own hands and do whatever," Pateracki said. "I'm going to make love to my bean bag."

Tyler Trowbridge, an undeclared freshman, said he thinks Valentine's Day is "kind of a pain" and prefers Columbus Day.

"At least you get the day off school," said Trowbridge.

Alyssa Morgan, a pre-pharmacy freshman, said as she has aged, Valentine's Day has lost its meaning.

"It's overplayed and overrated," she said. "As we get older and more technologically advanced, it just doesn't matter anymore."

Morgan said had she a Valentine, she might celebrate the holiday, but doesn't have any special plans this year.

"I'm not bitter, but I have more important things to concentrate on," Morgan said. "It's cool that St. Valentine died for his love or whatever, but I don't think that's what it's about anymore."

Unlike Morgan, some say today they will be wallowing in self-pity.

"I'll be crying at home by myself," said Alyssa Novick, an education freshman, whose Valentine's Day will "suck balls."

Novick said she is not inherently opposed to the tradition but won't be celebrating this year.

"I think it's plausible because some people have lovers, but I hate it," Novick said.