New year, new boo: Speed dating at NGU
Trinity Adams, News and Feature Editor
On February 28, over 30 of NGU’s hopeful singles took their chance at New Year, New Boo speed dating. This was a partner event held by NGU’s counseling services and Campus Ministries and Student Engagement (CMSE) team.
What started as a room full of anxious people ended up a night full of laughter and connections that may lead to new relationships. Students had two minutes with a partner before they were asked to move to the next. There was a list of 15 questions that students could ask each other to break the ice and create fruitful conversations. These questions varied from “What’s your dream job?” to “What is your go-to karaoke song?”
Sophomore Tayshawn Pittman said that he was very nervous going into the event, but it wasn’t because of the event itself but the reactions of other students not participating. He said he stood outside for five minutes, debating whether to go in, but a friend encouraged him to go.
“I was so happy I did it. I ended up meeting many people that I would probably never talk to and making friends with people I wouldn’t even think about exchanging words with,” Pittman said.
He admitted that he was already friends with some of the people in the room, but it was nice to see them during speed dating rounds because it gave them a chance to go on a mini-friend date. He said it was a great way to kindle a relationship with others, even if it doesn’t go in a romantic route.
“I would do it again because even if I don’t find love at the event, I at least prove to myself that I’m not bothered by whatever people say and how they make fun of me for doing the event. I’m going to have a good time with the snacks and candy, meeting new people, and who knows, maybe I can find someone to give a ring by spring,” he said.
Sara Black, counselor at NGU, created and planned this event as an opportunity for students to mingle with potential partners and also bring awareness to the Relationship Goals series that takes place during February.
Black said she came up with the idea of a speed dating night for people who want to come to Relationship Goals but feel like it’s not for them. Black pulled the questions for speed dating from different online surveys and came up with some would-you-rather questions.
“That’s a really chill way to get to know somebody and find a mutual connection,” Black said.
Relationship Goals is a month-long co-ed group that meets every Thursday in February. During these meetings, they discuss different aspects of healthy relationships. The discussions center around what are the different levels in a relationship and what should the development of that relationship look like over time.
“Although it is primarily geared towards dating, we talk about all sorts of relationships, like friendships and family relationships. [We] want to help students learn how to pursue health in relationships,” Black said.
Relationship goals will take place in the Joyful Sound room on Thursdays at 4 p.m. There will be snacks and everyone is welcome to come whether you are in a relationship or not.
