Before the date... Lauryn Hagan and Elijah Vann Lauryn

Sophomore human health sciences major Lauryn Hagan pulled up to Puccini’s in a new outfit: a baby pink, puffy-sleeved top with ripped jeans, a black denim jacket and gold jewelry.

“I kind of used it as an excuse to get a new outfit,” Hagan said. “Cute and comfortable, pink for a Valentine’s Day kind of vibe!”

Hagan said she had never been on a blind date before that Sunday.

“I’m excited! I am a little nervous, but I’m just gonna see how it goes,” she said.

She said she was hoping to have a good conversation and make a new friend.

“If it’s more than that, it’s more than that,” Hagan said.

Hagan has been in one long-term relationship before, which she said helped her learn more about herself and what she wants in a partner.

“Someone who I’m compatible with, someone who is a little spontaneous and just kinda wants to have fun, someone who I can trust,” she said, describing her ideal match. “Kind of like ‘golden retriever energy,’ if you’ve heard that term before.”

Whether she was about to eat pasta with her dream man or not, Hagan was looking forward to whatever the night had in store.

“I’m just excited to see what happens,” she said.

Elijah

Wearing semi-casual attire and a beanie, freshman theater design major Elijah Vann arrived at his date with his heart set on food and “a good time.”

“I just did it for the food,” Vann said.

While food consumed most of his pre-date thoughts, Vann said he was feeling “shocked” that he was even picked and participating in the blind date.

Having never been to Puccini’s, and usually an Olive Garden-goer, the night was sure to be one full of unknowns for Vann.