Is President Bill Covino a romantic?

The first day back to in-person classes at Cal State LA is Feb. 14, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day.

In the spirit of love, the University Times talked to some Cal State LA students who are planning to do something special for someone special.

Anthropology major Sarily Uribe met her boyfriend, Juan, in high school, and they have been together for almost five years. Juan also happens to be majoring in anthropology at Cal State LA. They like to spend time together on campus and hang out in the library and King Hall. 

Some fun things they like to do together include playing video games, going on adventures, and finding collectibles to buy.

“A cute story is that before we started dating, he gifted me a cat, and she’s been my biggest supporter until this day,” said Uribe.

Uribe is excited to go back to school on Valentine’s Day, and she has some fun things planned for her boyfriend as well. 

“We plan to spend the day together on campus and exchange gifts,” she said. “I’m going to be gifting him some stuffed animals we collect together, some books he’s been wanting, and a handwritten letter. I’m also planning on making a nice meal and having a picnic on campus since we will have to be on campus all day until 8 p.m.”

Sarily Uribe and her boyfriend Juan

Though communication disorders major Katelyn Garcia isn’t doing anything with someone special, she still plans on celebrating the holiday at home with her family. 

“I’ve been online and haven’t been back on campus since the pandemic started,” she said. “I’m excited about meeting new people in my classes.”

Others, like computer science graduate student Nikhil Katariya, aren’t as optimistic. 

“Nope, I don’t think I will be doing anything,” he said. “I don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day.”

Criminal justice major Nelson Orellana may also not have a valentine this year, but he’s not feeling too down about it. He plans to spend the day relaxing at home after a long day of classes.

“I plan on enjoying a fine bottle of wine,” said Orellana. “I find it funny we go back on Valentine’s Day. I expect to see a lot of hearts, bears, and balloons.”

However, when he does meet someone, he already has the perfect date in mind.

“My dream date is having a cook-off,” he said. “Only one person cooks at a time because having two people cook in the kitchen can get very hectic. The other person can watch the cooking go down, or be away, so when it’s ready, it’s like, ‘Surprise! I did this!’”