By Julia Seaman
TAMPA, Fla. –– Save the date! Valentine’s Day is not just for those in relationships. Whether by having dinner reservations with a special someone or a fun night with loved ones, the annual holiday is all about love. Everyone celebrates this holiday in their own way, surrounded by the people whom they love most.
Faith Joaquin subtly challenges the societal traditions of Valentine’s Day. Joaquin is in her senior year at Keiser University in Tampa, Fla., studying nursing, where she is also a native. In the future, Joaquin hopes to continue residing in her hometown and work in the Pediatrics Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“I am very busy with my nursing schedule,” said Joaquin. “So at this point in my life, I am very okay with being single.”
When Joaquin is not studying for her next nursing exam, she is found around Tampa with her friends or family. She is also a proud mom to her French bulldog puppy, Georgia. Her friends would describe her as very outgoing, friendly, down-to-earth, and supportive. Like most college girls, she enjoys shopping, tanning, going out for drinks, getting dressed up, pampering herself, and playing with her dog.
For this holiday, Joaquin celebrates with her friends and family doing what she normally does on any given weekend. Just pinker!
Luckily, having no classes on Valentine’s Day, Joaquin has a free schedule to celebrate. However, her night consists of watching a show at the Straz Center with her parents. Being that she is an only child, she gets plenty of attention from her parents. The Joaquins have seasonal passes to the Straz Center, allowing them to see any Broadway show of their liking. For this Valentine’s Day, they are all seeing A Beautiful Noise.
Joaquin normally spends every Valentine’s Day with her parents either seeing a show at the Straz Center or getting dessert at Charlie’s Steak House, or both!
“My mom and I are going 22 years strong!” said Joaquin.
Although Joaquin is not getting the usual flowers and chocolates that comes with a romantic Valentine’s, she still receives gifts, just from family instead. Over the years, Joaquin’s parents have given her thoughtful gifts, such as jewelry, a purse, and even a 3 foot blow-up bear.
This time around was a little different since Joaquin bought a gift for her own “special someone.”
Georgia was given a “bunch of pink chew toys” and a Valentine’s Day sweater. Just like any other day, Joaquin is going to have a playdate with her dog and take her on a loving walk. Being single on Valentine’s Day does not bother Joaquin in the slightest.
“I’m going to treat myself with a coffee in the morning then probably get a spray tan and go shopping at the mall,” said Joaquin. Even without a romantic date, Joaquin will make sure she keeps her schedule booked and busy. But who celebrates Valentine’s Day for just one night?
The weekends are for the girls, according to Joaquin. She and one of her girlfriends have tickets to see Matroda in concert at Armature Works for the Saturday following Valentine’s Day. After the concert, Joaquin and her friend will be seen around South Howard (SoHo) barhopping.
“Maybe by the time I have my life together –– which is probably going to be never –– then I can think about having a man in my life,” said Joaquin. With graduation around the corner, a special someone may be coming when she leasts expects it.
Although Valentine’s day is centered around romantic love, it is never limited to just that. The beautiful side of this holiday is spending it with whoever is considered a loved one, not just a significant other. Surrounding yourself with people who care and love you makes Valentine’s Day seem just like any other day.