Valentine’s Day is known for being polarizing. Some might call it a ‘Hallmark Holiday,’ arguing that it capitalizes on pressuring individuals to spend money on chocolates, flowers, and small gifts for their loved ones. Those who love the holiday, however, claim that it is an innocent excuse to show their love for their family, friends, and significant other.

Regardless of any holiday-controversy, ACC’s Phi Theta Kappa club has organized a Valentine’s Day celebration for the students with the help of Student Government and Pre-Health Society, taking place on February 13 and 14, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m in the Littleton Campus student lounge.

Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Fundraising Ellie Mayer says, “I wanted to create this event to increase awareness for Phi Theta Kappa, as well as a fundraising opportunity to help fund the projects that we do for the college and for the scholarships we give out to Phi Theta Kappa members.”

The event includes a bake sale, with all proceeds going towards purchasing jackets for the homeless community. “It’s optional donation, so obviously we love donations because they help us fund our ventures to help the community and the college, but it’s a great opportunity to get a snack and help us out if you can and then have a bit of fun.

“You can also get your fortune read, we have a fortune teller here, and send Valograms,” says Mayer. “It’s fun! It’s Valentine’s day, it’s an opportunity to celebrate. We have some delicious baked goodies that members of Phi Theta Kappa have provided!”

The fortune teller, second-year student James Vogenthaler, tells the love fortunes of students using tarot cards. Mayer believes in the accuracy of the fortunes, stating “I definitely believe in them, I think they’re real and I trust James’ ability to accurately predict the love life of people’s futures!”

In one example, Vogenthaler had a student split the tarot card deck into three piles, and then rearrange the piles. Vogenthaler pulled cards from the top of the deck and explained what they meant to the student. According to Vogenthaler, the student will meet the love of his life while following his passions. He or she will help him open up and move on from his past, although the student will have to refrain from caring so much about his image in order for their love to work.

“I hope that everyone has a very happy Valentine’s Day no matter how much homework is going on. If you have a loved one or someone special, take some time with them to enjoy the holiday! You can definitely expect to see a lot more of Phi Theta Kappa around the campus this semester!” Mayer says.

For her own Valentine’s Day plans, Mayer, who turned 15 on February 12th, says she plans on “enjoying my birthday and trying not to drown in the sea of homework that threatens to crush my soul.”

Certain students around campus have other plans for Valentine’s Day. First-year student Sydney Pease says, “I fully intend to get my free burrito from Qdoba by kissing my hot boyfriend at the register.”

Other students might have more solitary plans, such as Quinn Reynolds, who says her plans include “sitting at home, watching Netflix, and eating as much food as I can.”

However you spend your Valentine’s Day, we hope everyone here at ACC has a day full of love and joy.