As we gradually move away from the jingle bells and the countdowns for this wonderful new year, we are once again sucked into yet another significant celebration: Valentine’s Day. It’s just another day to show love to our loved ones, especially our significant others. Love is beautiful and should be cherished. It is important, however, that we extend our love to those beyond our family and friends, to those who may seem a little different from us.
Here are some new ways we can share love this Valentine’s Day, by trying something different and making a difference:
Send a gift to your parents.
As college students, it is extremely hard to keep up with time – from reading all of our books, to assignments, to jobs, we are constantly juggling too much. That can make us forget to take time out to reconnect with our parents. This Valentine’s Day, send something nice and special to your parents to show them how much you love them. The smallest of gestures can have a huge impact.
Read to the elderly.
This is different for me, too, but I’m excited to give it a try. There are so many homes out there that are happy to accept volunteers. Take some time out of your busy week to help the elderly. You can read to them or teach them how to use computers.
Help the homeless.
KSU CARE Center is the perfect place to start. We live in a city where there is an alarming number of homeless people, including homeless students. The CARE Center has various activities which help students give back and assist the homeless. You can donate items they need, help pack up their donated items, or serve them food.
Treat yourself.
Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day! Have some “me time” to re-energize and do activities you enjoy, but don’t often get the time to do. It is important to take some time to show love to yourself and invest in yourself.
Help someone in need.
There are so many people in the world right now who need help in any way you possibly can. Take some time to go to an orphanage and read books to the children, or donate to a refugee aid organization. There is so much we can do in this world, and it all starts from showing that we care for those less fortunate than ourselves.