They are soft and squishy, one can hold them, squeeze them or give them away. All students are welcome to come hug it out with the Yellowjacket Activities Crew (YAC) event. The Valentine’s Build-A-Buddy is happening Friday 14, from 11 am -1 pm at the Yellowjacket Union. This free event provides the supplies to create a stuffed animal for a special someone, a friend, family member or oneself to celebrate the holiday of Valentines Day.
This loving event is designed for students alike to come enjoy the warm atmosphere on a cold Superior day. Anyone who arrives early will get a limited-edition T-shirt for their buddy along with the option to pick out what kind of plushie they want. Manager at YAC, Edomiyas Asmerom said, “There’s an octopus, an alien, a hippo, a koala, a sea horse, a llama, a dragon, there’s a bunch.” He himself chooses a bat and will give it to himself for self-love.
This event has been running for about seven to eight years acquiring more students each Valentines Day. Ponika Bhandari the current programming manager at YAC said, “I think it is important for students in a sense that, you know, it’s Valentines Day. For a lot of people who do not have a partner, they might feel alone or they might not feel it just something to look forward to. When it’s also a great opportunity for students to get to know other students whenever they’re making their bears and its also important to, for students to let them know that we care for them and we have something for you. So, I think its important to get involved in campus and feel like they have something to look forward to this Valentines Day.”
Both Bhandari and Asmerom don’t share the culture inheritance of Valentines Day but to them its more about sharing the warmth with fellow classmates. The initiative not only celebrates Valentine’s Day but emphasizes the importance of self-love and friendship. It adds meaningful value to the campus experience, reminding students that they are cared for and supported. As such, it stands as a beautiful testament to the spirit of community at the university.
