Single? Dating? Engaged? An NGU event for all
Photo credit by Riley Belle Kinard
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day was a day of emotions. For those in relationships, it’s a day full of love and celebration. It’s a time to cherish your significant other and express your love for them. On the other hand, for those who are single, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of that singleness.
Valentine’s Day is a different experience for everyone, and North Greenville University desires for all of its students to enjoy the holiday.
This year NGU offered two opportunities for students to celebrate. On February 13, NGU staff and students threw a Galentine’s party for girls and a Guy’s Night for the boys.
The annual Galentine’s party was held in the Hayes Ministry building, where the room was decorated with extravagant florals and pinks.
Several sophomores and juniors came together to make this event happen. They worked hard to bless girls and provide them with an opportunity for a good time. They wanted Valentine’s Day to be a sweet holiday for every person, no matter their relationship status.
There was a photo wall for girls to take pictures with friends, a flower bouquet station and a food station. The theme this year was “tea party.” The girls were served different kinds of tea, chocolate and other delicious desserts.
They painted candles, participated in a trivia game and listened to wisdom from people with relationship advice.
Espi Williams, a junior Spanish major, said, “Galentine’s provides an opportunity for girls to come together in community around a holiday like Valentine’s when it can feel exclusive, especially if you are not dating anybody.”
Williams explained that the heart behind the event was to remind girls that the most important relationship in their lives is their relationship with God.
“Our goal is not to be in a relationship,” she said. “Our goal is to love God and serve Him.”
She discussed how important it is to remember God’s love when we begin to feel lonely on days like Valentine’s Day.
“Galentine’s provides a fun, biblical way of looking at your life and relationships, and I think the girls had an awesome time,” she said.
NGU will continue to carry on the yearly tradition in years to come.
The Guys Night, also known as “Guyentine’s,” was a hit. This was the first year NGU held a Valentine’s event for men.
The party was held in the NGU game room, which was decorated with ambient lighting. Around 30 guys showed up and played board games, video games and Ping-Pong. They also enjoyed chicken wings and red bull mocktails.
The goal of this Campus Ministry and Student Engagement (CMSE) event was to strengthen community among men at NGU.
Will Rhodes, a sophomore business management major who attended Guys Night, said, “It allowed single guys to get into community and to just have a good time with the boys.”
He also noted that the event was not just for single guys. Rhodes said that a lot of guys who are in relationships came as well because they wanted to cultivate community with their brothers in Christ.
Rhodes’ favorite part of “Guyentine’s” was the Ping-Pong tournament. He explained how even though everyone was very competitive, the atmosphere was lighthearted and fun.
Overall, Guyentine’s and Galentine’s was a wonderful opportunity for students to have fellowship with friends and have a memorable night.
