RAs start speed dating to give students shot at love, friendship

By Claire Byun

byunc@mytjnow.com

Some students may have found their soul mate last week in the student center, if only for a minute and a half.

Under the dimly lit ceiling of The Edge, students gathered to speed date; females sat in booths or tables and the males rotated clockwise. Fake rose petals and Hershey’s Kisses adorned the tables, each with a card suggesting conversation topics. A live band provided background music and entertainment during the breaks.

The resident assistants (RAs) on campus, along with the Resident Students’ Association (RSA), sponsored the event, which took place on Wed., Feb. 9, from 9 to 11 p.m.

This is the second year of the event, but the first time it has been open to the campus as a whole. Last year, only residents could partake in the fun.

“I decided to do it last year when my residents were always talking about how they couldn’t meet any guys on campus,” said RA Beyanca Vinson. “What better way to meet someone without being awkward or having to stay for a long period of time.”

Students could purchase Valentine’s Day cards created by the Illustration department’s senior show, while RSA provided cupcakes, candy and sparkling grape juice to participants.

“I mean, this is the first time Winthrop has done something like this,” Vinson said.

With more than 100 students participating, the event was generally successful. Evan Harris, senior illustration major and RA, thinks the turnout might have something to do with boredom.

“Some may be looking for something to do on a Wednesday night,” Harris said. “Probably some of these guys are here because their girl friends are here; maybe some are looking for love.”

A fairly new development, speed dating was created in the 1990s by a New York rabbi who wanted a way for young Jewish people to meet, according to originaldating.com. Finding a partner for busy singles can be difficult, but the quick dates allow for meeting several people within short time periods. 

Several ladies in the mix already had relationships but attended for their significant others. Kerin Gibson, junior exercise science major, watched as her boyfriend led the band.

“I came to support my boyfriend, but I thought it would be a great way to meet people,” Gibson said. “It’s really fun, and not awkward. I’m enjoying myself.”

Finding new friends on campus seemed to be the main reason for attendance. 

Just ask Kourtman Haile, freshman biology major.

“I just wanted to meet people,” Haile said.

While making new acquaintances has its benefits, some students came in hopes of meeting a future romance. Alina Vallario, junior social work major, is no exception.

“I had an option, but I realized I gave him my house phone number instead of my cell phone,” Vallario said. “But luckily I’m friends with one of his friends on Facebook, so I can find him again.”

The only major worry about the event was the male-female ratio, seeing as Winthrop has two female students for every one male student, according to the Admissions website.

“I’ve met some really cool guys and had some really cool conversations,” said Krissy Jessop, junior psychology major. “We just need more guys.”