At Quincy University, Valentine’s Day was not just about romance, it was about friendship and cookies. Valentine’s Day often shines the spotlight on romantic relationships, but some QU students believe that celebrating friendships is what uplifts the day.

That is why some students call it Galentine’s Day instead of Valentine’s day. Despite the snowy weather outside, students found warmth indoors at The Café, sharing self-made cookies with their best friends. For Jasmine Hopkins, Valentine’s Day was about celebrating friendship over flowers.

“This Valentine’s Day cookie is my pride and joy, and I made it for the love of my life, my best friend, Siobhan,” Hopkins said.

The event, which offered free cookies and a space to decorate them, quickly became a hit. Students wanted to enjoy the treats and celebrate Valentine’s day.

“It’s definitely a fun activity. It’s snowing outside, it is Valentine’s Day so what else are we gonna do? And while I think Valentine’s Day can be a little cliché, I love a good free cookie and I love a good free activity,” Hopkins said.

For many, the day was less about romance and more about friendship. For Siobhan Rogers the most special about the event was the free cookies but also sharing it with her friends.

“I’m always single on Valentine’s Day, but getting something from my friends makes up for it. It’s more about the friendship. Who needs a boyfriend. It’s Galentine’s, not Valentine’s,” Rogers said.

Another student who enjoyed the free cookie craft was Helma Cruz. Cruz made a cookie for her boyfriend, whom she met up with later that day. Cruz points out that she made a cookie for herself as well, that she ate with her friends at The Café.

“It’s nice that I get to spend Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend later, but I also enjoy celebrating it with my friends right now. It is pretty nice that we can decorate free cookies for each other,” Cruz said.

Some students think Valentine’s Day is a little cliché but for Cruz it can be meaningful because people should remember to celebrate each other’s love.

“I think Valentine’s Day can be meaningful, especially if you focus on what it’s really about like showing appreciation for the people you care about. It doesn’t have to be about something fancy. For me, it’s more about creating memories,” Cruz said.

Whether the students was single or taken the QU students found joy in celebrating the connections that truly matter friendship and maybe a cookie or two.

This Valentine’s Day was crafted into homemade cookies and shared between friends. The QU students proved that Valentine’s Day is about celebrating every kind of love.