Here we go again

Dorothy's romp through the poppies was nothing compared to walking past my hall's front desk this morning. As the flower trucks arrived, workers brought bouquets in by the truckload. I stood there motionless as I witnessed the massive effort. Even Glenda the good Witch couldn't revive me. I was in awe, but luckily, I was ready.

Last year I was in shock when I left my room and saw the stacks of gifts at my front desk. Never before had I seen such an array of colors, plush and pollen all in one place. It was a war zone. I was surrounded. There were lilies, daisies, roses. There were teddy bears, kittens, goldfish. There were girls standing in line to claim their goodies. There were girls standing and watching the other girls. And, there were girls standing in front of the delivery board, searching for their name. There were so many, gifts and girls, that the desk workers had made signs of the alphabet to direct traffic. The constant flow of girls picking up flowers was only matched by the constant flow of more gifts coming through the front doors. This year was no different.

On Valentine's Day, it seems like everyone can be divided into two categories: those who got something, and those who didn't. And then, even further than that, there are those who care about not getting anything and those who couldn't care less. I am one of those people. I just don't see the need for all the hoopla. My view: save a shrub, boycott Valentine's Day.

I think it is silly for there to be a day specified, by Hallmark no less, to say I love you. That doesn't mean that I think St. Valentine doesn't deserve recognition, but I think he is strangling cupids in the heavens with each flower truck that unloads. Although his feast day is marked only once on the calendar, I think the spirit of Valentine's Day should be a 365 day a year holiday. Love should be shared, expressed and felt everyday of the year. Feast day or no feast day. Girlfriend or no girlfriend. Roses or no roses. Name on the board, no name on the board.

Walking past the desk yesterday, I noticed the beginnings of the frenzy as the hall staff prepared for the massive amounts of foliage that would be arriving. This year is no different, except for one minor detail: I have a boyfriend. That's right. This Valentine's Day I have someone, other than my father, to share it with. Still, I don't care if my name is not on the board. I don't care if everyone else is getting pretty flowers. Love is something that cannot be measured in dozens or monetary objects of affection. It is more than a bouquet of roses. It is more than a name on the board. Love is timeless and priceless, and should be shown everyday of the year – not just on Feb. 14.

So, congratulations to all those who receive flowers this year. But, don't pity me for having a boyfriend that doesn't send me flowers. Perhaps I have true happiness in life by realizing that love cannot be bought. And, I am happy. Today, like any other day, I will be sitting in class today wearing the goofiest grin because I know what makes my life special. Surprising to many, it's not flowers or chocolate. It's loving someone and letting them love you in return. It's realizing the importance of having someone special to share the holiday with. Ignore the calendar, and make everyday of the year Valentine's Day by letting someone else celebrate loving you.

Happy Valentine's Day, Kurt.

• Here we go again