Students entered through a pink and red arch decorated with balloons and streamers into a room filled with laughter, chatter and music. The crowded student activities area of the Student Union, was adorned with chains of paper hearts, balloons and heart-covered tablecloths for Los Medanos Colleges’ Galentine’s day Feb. 12.  

The event featured a multitude of activities, sweet and savory snacks, and opportunities for attendees to relax creating a close-knit community. 

Many students spent time near the flower-making station creating flowers out of pipe cleaners, or watching the movie “Mean Girls.” There was also a Valentine’s card making station which provided colored construction paper, stickers and scrapbooking supplies, as well as  a Galentine’s Day backdrop with balloon hearts serving as  a spot for snapshots. And of course, there were snacks including a variety of  sandwiches, chocolate chip and sugar cookies, fruits, and a charcuterie board. 

“I really liked the flowers even though it was a little bit complicated,” said student Susana Aguero.

Instructions were provided at the flower making station to guide students in bending  pipe cleaners into pink flowers. 

Another student, Torriya Ferrer, said her favorite part was “the decorations and how everything felt very welcoming and bright.”

 The atmosphere was calm and light, as most people were spending time with old friends while also meeting new friends. 

Cohesive decorations, themed activities and pop music by Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan set the tone for the fun filled event. 

Vanessa Vane, one of the event’s organizers, said that while some activities were preplanned, the pipe cleaner flowers were inspired by social media and she was brought on for her decoration ideas.

“Seeing it all set up like this is really a nice feeling,” she said.