On February 19, the CUNY SPS Pride Club hosted a heartwarming Palentine’s Day celebration. This in-person event brought students together for a night of laughter, creativity, and community. With a focus on friendship and connection, attendees participated in fun activities designed to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Throughout the evening, students engaged in hands-on activities like DIY card-making, enjoyed spirited group games, and captured memories at a festive photo booth. The event was filled with energy, as laughter and conversation flowed while everyone indulged in refreshments. Palentine’s Day was not just a celebration but a reminder of the supportive and inclusive community at CUNY SPS.
Pride Club Treasurer Mateo Ash Tebar (MS in Disability Studies in Higher Education), along with Nadine Elise Pascual (BA in Communications and Media), and an anonymous student (MA in Psychology), shared their thoughts in a Q&A on the importance of friendship.
The Kiosk: Have you ever celebrated Palentine’s Day before? If so, how did you celebrate?
“I have not celebrated it before; I had never heard of it before. It was great to have a casual hangout with peers and celebrate friendship, especially with new friends,” said Mateo Tebar..
Nadine Pascual offered a similar perspective: “I haven’t celebrated Palentine’s Day before. However, I have celebrated my friends and the connections I’ve built.”
Do you think friendship should be celebrated more often? Why or why not?
Tebar noted that “Friendship should always be celebrated, and I think we don’t do it enough; we focus on the romantic ones, so this was refreshing.”
Pascual emphasized that “It is important to show those friendships the value they provide to you. I believe in providing affirmations and validation to the people in my life each chance I get. It feels great being valued by other people.”
An anonymous participant shared an insightful point, saying that they “think friendships should be celebrated more often because it’s a type of relationship that can be undervalued. It’s always better to improve connections and build community with others.”
Do you think Palentine’s Day helps shift the focus from romantic love to platonic connections? Why is that important?
Tebar said, “I do, because [it’s] a reminder of the other relationships that help sustain and nourish ourselves just as romantic ones do. Really, my partner is just another friend when I think about it. “
Pascual agreed.“I believe Palentine’s Day shifts the focus from romantic connections. Platonic relationships are just as valuable and are the essence of community.”
“There is value in appreciating various forms of relationships. As stated earlier, events like this can foster a community and foster more empathy to those who may not have it,” explained the anonymous student.
What does friendship mean to you? Share a personal story.
Tebar told us, “Friendship to me means that I have another person with whom I can share experiences with and be myself, [it is] really an extension of my family. My best friend, who I often introduce as my brother, is someone I know I can go to after a hard day or bring with me [on] a new adventure.”
Pascual said, “I believe in friendships providing space for belonging. It’s important to be seen by others and have social interactions. Personally, I find joy in the relationships I’ve formed over time. [I’m] poly and [I] have a poly community which I care deeply for. This includes platonic relationships. I am also [involved in] cosplay and each day I realize how beautiful and uplifting that group is.”
“Friendship to me is synonymous with community. It’s treating people with care and compassion. Having shared interests is one way to make this connection,” noted the anonymous student.
What qualities do you value most in a friend?
“The qualities I value in a friend are humor, kindness, and honesty. My friend needs to be able to laugh with me or at me, be kind enough to know the difference and tell me the truth when I need to hear it. A friend should nurture the person I am while helping me grow,” Tebar explained.
Pascual highlighted what she values most: “honesty, transparency, and great communication.”
“Some qualities I value most [are] honesty, empathy, shared values, humor, and communication,” the anonymous student added. “Healthy friendships can positively impact your well-being by fostering happiness and improving quality of life through activities and care.”
How do you think friendship impacts overall happiness and well-being?
Tebar believes that “Friendship definitely makes me feel like I am part of my own little community and have my own tribe. The world is a hard and oftentimes confusing place, I couldn’t imagine going through it alone. My friendships help me escape the stress and [responsibilities] of life.” He also emphasized that his future feels more promising with his friends in it.
Pascual added that “…your connections impact your mental health and can push you so that you strive for better.”
