Two-minute dates, fast-paced environment make for fun social event just in time for Valentine’s Day
“Make new friends, meet your soul mate, or find a Valentine’s date” was what the flier said for speed dating, and students may have done just that.
After going downstairs to the SUB, students were handed a nametag and a raffle ticket and were entered to win prizes. They were also handed a sheet to mark down the names of those who may have been potential matches for them. The tables were set up with chocolates, cups full of pieces of paper with ice breakers and helium balloons shaped as hearts.
Pop music played in the background, and everyone grouped with people they knew. After the event started everyone sat down and began dating, the men on the right side, and the women on the left. The room filled with laughter, lots of talking, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Each date lasted two minutes long, and in those two minutes each student was tasked to learn about each other; after the two minutes, the men got up and switched to the next seat over.
There were some awkward moments, some people dying with laughter, and other times just nice, pleasant conversations.
“It was confusing. I didn’t know what to say. Some of the questions that were asked were awkward,” said Steven Damiano,
21, architecture, Philadelphia.
Students were allowed to leave and take a break whenever they wanted to go grab cookies, punch, get some fresh air, or to talk to other students.
There was a short break where four student volunteers were brought up, two girls and two boys, and were asked questions about the opposite sex. The questions were like “Where is the head gasket in a car?” for the girls. As for the guys, questions such as “Who was the main actress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” Though the girls lost the game, each participant received a gift card to Coldstone, Olive Garden or Applebee’s. At the end of the night, there was a drawing of prizes which included movies and candy, and the main prize was a $25 gift card to Regal Cinemas.
After the event, students stayed around and mingled.
Tyler Bartlett, 18, General Studies, Hailey, said, “It’s been fun, and it’s a good environmnt.”
Students said they had a good time. Jesus Nunez, 21, Cartagena, Colombia, said,“I came mostly to socialize, because it would be fun. Awkward moments are always fun.”
Speed dating was a great success with a good turnout. Speed dating isn’t for the desperate; it’s also a great way to socialize and meet new people, and possibly meet the new love of your life.
