Cupid has been busy at Daytona State College.
From students studying side by side to friends laughing between classes, love lingers in everyday moments across campus.
With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, those moments can turn into something more. Study sessions become dates, and casual conversations stretch past class time.
In a statistics class, Cupid struck when Associate of Arts students,’ Christa Cousins and Liam Spairana first noticed each other.
“We have been dating for about a month now,” said Cousins. “For our first date, we watched the sunrise and got breakfast. It was really sweet.”
Though their relationship is new, Cousins and Spairana say their shared interests have helped them grow closer. Music, especially, plays a role in their growing bond.
“We both love the musician Giveon,” said Spairana. “It’s helped us bond, we love a good jam session when were driving.”
For other couples, Cupid’s work doesn’t end with the first hit of the arrow, It continues through effort and communication.
Hannah Stone, an Associate of Arts student, and Ethan Hyder, a barber school student, have been together for 6 months. They credit consistency for keeping their relationship strong.
“Always keep trying,” said Hyder. “Show up for each other, no matter what. Her smile is my favorite thing about her, I can’t lose that.”
Stone adds, “communication. I know it’s cliché, but its true. Put in effort and talk it out. His personality is my favorite thing about him; he keeps our relationship fun.”
On the other hand, Cupid doesn’t strike everyone at the same time.
For occupational therapy student, Callie Combs, Valentine’s Day looks different this year. Two weeks ago, she found herself freshly single.
Despite the difficulty, Combs says she’s learning to lean on the people who love her in other ways.
“It’s been hard, but you find ways to cope,” said Combs. “This year, I’m doing a ‘Galentines,’ so that helps. I’ve been really leaning on my friends to get through it, and my mom too. I’ve been calling her nonstop.”
Combs reminds others that love doesn’t disappear when a relationship ends.
“As much as you want to, don’t call him,’’ Combs said. “Everything happens for a reason, just trust that and try to move on.”
Cupid may start the story, but students say love lasts through effort, support and connection, even when the magic wears off.