The Daily Illini: Sex & Dating Guide 2023

A check from KAMS in a sea of orange

By Lika Lezhava News Editor

The University’s official fanbase, Orange Krush, was scheduled to attend a basketball game at the University of Iowa on Saturday, but after much back and forth, misinterpretation and canceled tickets, campus bar KAMS welcomed the fanbase with open arms the same day.

“We’re just excited to be able to host Orange Krush,” Michael Baker, general manager of KAMS, said. “It’s sad that they won’t be able to go to the game, but we’re excited to be able to provide them with another opportunity.”

KAMS presented Orange Krush with a $6,000 check, as well as a $3,000 donation from Twisted Tea and Truly.

“We were excited to offer them the $6,000 back, donated to the Orange Krush foundation, and be able to cover those sunken costs,” Baker said.

In a second statement released on Friday, Orange Krush said it had “misrepresented ourselves as another active charitable organization” by purchasing the tickets under the false name of an Illinois chapter of the Boys & Girls Club. They stated that the Orange Krush “should have never placed blame on the Iowa ticket office.”

On Saturday, Kilton Rauman, senior in AHS and vice president of Illini

Pride, acknowledged the situation.

“We definitely did say ‘a boys and girls club,’ which is a misstep,” Rauman said. “There was no malicious intent, so it’s unfortunate how it got taken, and I’m glad that we still have a good relationship with our Boys and Girls Club here.”

Despite the mishap, KAMS did not retract its support of Orange Krush.

“I think on their end, they put out their initial statement, Iowa put one back, and they put one out to clarify their position and how they felt, and so we stand with them 100%,” Baker said.

With an electric atmosphere in the bar, Orange Krush was grateful for the overall support.

“I think it shows the family atmosphere that we have in Champaign here, whether it’s an establishment here on campus or a student section — everyone is pretty bound together,” Rauman said.

lezhava3@dailyillini.com

How to contact us

The Daily Illini is located in the basement of the University YMCA at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

General phone numbers

Front Desk: (217) 337-8300

Advertising: (217) 337-8382

Newsroom: (217) 337-8345

Newsroom contacts

Online: If you have a question about dailyillini.com or The Daily Illini’s social media outlets, please email our editor at online@dailyillini.com.

Employment: If you would like to work for the newspaper’s editorial department, please fill out our online form at dailyillini.com.

Calendar: If you want to submit events for publication in print and online, visit dailyillini.com.

Letters to the editor: Letters are limited to 300 words. Contributions must include the author’s name, address and phone number. University students must include their year in school and college.

Corrections: When we make a mistake, we will correct it in this place. We strive for accuracy, so if you see an error, please contact Editor-in-Chief Heather Robinson at (217) 337-8365 or email editor@dailyillini.com.

DANIEL ZHOU THE DAILY ILLINI Orange Krush receives a check from KAMS on Saturday at a viewing event.

TODAY IN HISTORY: February 8, 1941

Illini Union celebrates 82nd anniversary

Ten years after an initial request for a student center, the Illini Union opened, becoming a mainstay on campus

By Megan Krok Staff Writer

Wednesday marks 82 years since the Illini Union opened its doors in 1941. To this day, the Union serves as a common area, study spot and event space for University students.

On Feb. 5, 1941, the Union held an open house for the public to explore the newly constructed building. According to a Daily Illini article from the following day, 13,494 guests attended the open house. Three days later, on Feb. 8, the Union officially opened.

As stated on the Illini Union Renovation and Expansion Feasibility website, The Women’s League, formed in 1897, and the Men’s League, established 1909, joined together in 1931 to write a letter to University President Harry Chase requesting a new student center.

At this time, the “Union” was a single rented floor of the recently demolished Illini Hall, which was known then as the University YMCA. The Union was expanding, so new space was needed.

After the students’ letter, an appeal was approved to build the Union where Gregory Hall now stands. Unfortunately, the Great Depression delayed construction.

In 1934, Arthur C. Willard was inducted as University president. As stated on the Illini Union website, Willard “publicly supported the development of a headquarters for students, faculty and staff” even before his induction.

With this newfound support, construction plans began in 1939 by architects John Calvin Leavell and Howard Lovewell Cheney. The construction of the Union was managed by the Illini Union Building Advisory committee, which later became the Illini Union Board after construction was

completed.

Construction of the Union cost $1,505,000 — roughly $32,000,000 when adjusted for inflation. Like today’s Union, the original construction included the bowling alley, ballroom and lounges. When the Union opened, there was a soda fountain on the first floor. Now, students flock to the Union Starbucks for a snack in between classes.

Although the skeleton of the Illini Union building remains the same way it was 82 years ago at its open house, what the Union offers continues

to evolve to support students socially and academically.

“The Illini Union offers a place for everyone to come together to learn, grow, play and meet new friends,” said Becki Salzman, director of the Union, in an email. “It offers people opportunities to have new experiences and learn new things.”

According to Salzman, students need more study and lounge space at the Union, as every seat is nearly always filled. Salzman also mentioned there is a “large demand” for reflection, prayer and meditation space on campus, so

“providing space for health and wellbeing is a priority.” The Union continues to offer students opportunities and experience to apply their classroom lessons to the real world.

“I still believe today that I learn more from the students and guests here than anywhere else,” Salzman said. “This building is alive with an energy that no other building on campus can claim, and that makes it incredibly special to the entire community.” mfkrok2@dailyillini.com

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The Illini Union, originally pictured in an edition of The Daily Illini from Feb. 5, 1941, opened 82 years ago.

KRANNERT CENTER

FEBRUARY-MARCH

THU FEB 2

5:00pm Krannert Uncorked with the Chip McNeill Jazz Quartet // Marquee FREE

FRI FEB 3

7:30pm 21st Century Piano Commission Concert // School of Music

THU FEB 9

5:00pm Krannert Uncorked with Silverweed // Marquee FREE

TUE FEB 14

7:30pm Dublin Irish Dance: Wings—A Celebration of Irish Dance // Marquee

THU FEB 16 – SAT FEB. 18

7:30pm Theatre Studies New Works Project // Illinois Theatre

FRI FEB 17

10:00am Dance for People with Parkinson’s // Marquee FREE

FRI FEB 17

7:30pm UI Symphony Orchestra // School of Music

SUN FEB 19

3:00pm Aizuri Quartet: The Art of Translation (Cleveland Quartet Award Winner) // Marquee

TUE FEB 21

6:00pm Carnaval! // Lyric Theatre @ Illinois

WED FEB 22-FRI FEB 24

10:00am & 12:30pm School Performance: Jabari Dreams of Freedom, written by Nambi E. Kelley // Marquee

THU FEB 23

7:30pm The Queen’s Cartoonists // Marquee

THU FEB 23 – SAT MAR 4

7:30pm The Royale, written by Marco Ramirez // Illinois Theatre

FRI FEB 24

$10 TICKETS FOR STUDENTS

7:30pm Illinois Wind Symphony // School of Music

SAT FEB 25

10:00am Jabari Dreams of Freedom, written by Nambi E. Kelley // Marquee

SUN FEB 26

7:30pm Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine // Marquee

WED MAR 1

7:30pm UI Wind Orchestra and Hindsley Symphonic Band // School of Music

WED MAR 1 – SAT MAR 4

7:30pm The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart // Marquee

THU MAR 2

5:00pm Krannert Uncorked // Marquee FREE

FRI MAR 3

7:30pm Lang Lang // Marquee

SAT MAR 4

7:30pm Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Mendelssohn’s Elijah // Champaign-Urbana Symphony

TUE MAR 7

7:30pm Memphis Jookin’: The Show // Marquee

TUE MAR 7

7:30pm UI Philharmonia Orchestra // School of Music

THU MAR 9

5:00pm Krannert Uncorked // Marquee FREE

Hearts a thousand miles apart

By Cecilia Milmoe & Sarah Bond Features Editor & Staff Writer

Every romantic relationship is different. Every couple values different things, and each relationship is unique with the types of dates they go on, how frequently they see each other and how they connect.

For couples dating over a long distance, many of the typical conventions of dating can be quite different. Longdistance dating brings new challenges regarding communication and spending time together. But with enough perseverance, many have made it work.

Ashley Lucken, sophomore in LAS, started dating her girlfriend in Dec. 2019 when they were both juniors in high school. In July 2020, her girlfriend’s father got a job in Las Vegas, requiring her to move. The two have been in a long-distance relationship since then.

Lucken said at first, her girlfriend felt they should break up since she “didn’t want to hold (Lucken) back.” However, Lucken wanted to push forward.

“I was like, ‘I know we haven’t been dating for very long,’” Lucken said. “‘But I don’t see any problems with our relationship — I really like being with you. I really like the way that we work together, so I don’t think it will be a challenge. We can decide later on if this is just too much pressure for both of us, but I’d like to stay in it.’”

In the end, things worked out.

“We kept trying — it was hard for the first few months getting used to everything and helping her cope with moving, but we still kept that same love for each other,” Lucken said. “There were a ton of new problems, but we just kind of faced all of them one day at a time. It changed a lot, but it never changed the way that we felt about each other; it never changed our ability to laugh together.”

Lucken discussed some of the problems that arose in her long-distance relationship.

“If one of us is having a rough day … it’s a little bit hard, because sometimes you want comfort from a partner, and you can’t really receive it the same way,” Lucken said. “I have trouble with that — we both have trouble with (wanting) to be in each other’s space.”

Cecilia Guerrero, a Champaign resident and University alum, met her boyfriend at the University in Fall 2018. This January, the couple became long distance when her boyfriend moved to California for work.

Guerrero said the physical distance can be difficult to deal with.

“I really miss his physical presence a lot,” Guerrero said. “That’s something that I really enjoyed a lot. Even when we’re not actively doing something together, working on our own things in the same area, it was really nice. We don’t have that right now — (it’s) really hard.”

Guerrero added that being long distance has caused communication issues.

“It’s a lot about learning what communication looks like when you don’t see somebody every day … You have to make a more concerted effort to communicate with the other person, (and) it takes more work than being with them physically,” Guerrero said. “You have to make the time for them in a way that you wouldn’t have to if you were in person.”

Lucken said that another communication issue arises during arguments.

“Sometimes when we get into arguments, it’s a little bit more difficult because when you’re long distance, you aren’t forced to (come) face to face (with) those things,” Lucken said. “Both of you can just drop the phone at any time and just ignore each other and let the problem keep festering instead of solving it. That took us a while to learn how to talk things out and force ourselves to communicate like we nor-

mally would.”

Lucken also said that without the physical presence of her girlfriend, she can get lonely.

“I mean, nobody likes it at first. I miss her, obviously,” Lucken said. “I’m sitting here in my dorm right now, and I’m like, sure, there’s a little bit of loneliness. But it’s all worth going through.”

Jackie Chan, graduate student studying computer science, started dating his girlfriend in 2021. The two were both teaching the same course, CS 125: Introduction to Computer Science, at the University. They became long distance in 2022 when Chan’s girlfriend moved to New York for work.

Chan said the distance has made their lives feel somewhat disconnected.

“When we were in person, we would be in the same friend circle (and) the same events that are going on within the department and on campus,” Chan said. “Now that we’ve moved away from each other, she has her own friend circle, her own drama and life events. And that’s totally disconnected from the events that are happening within my life.”

Lucken also said that having separate friend groups can be difficult.

“We’re still working on learning how to have friends that are separate from each other since we came from the same friend group where we all knew the same people,” Lucken said.

“Now I have friends at my school here that she’s never met before, because she doesn’t go here. She has friends at her school that I’ve never met before either. We had to learn how to step out and make new friends outside of each other.”

Lucken said technology has played a big role in her relationship.

“We actually use Zoom a lot. Obviously, the pandemic made Zoom readily available, and we figured out that it was a good system since you’re able to screen share things,” Lucken said. “So, we use it to watch movies or play online card games and stuff together. When we’re in classes during the day, mostly (we text) here and there in between our schedules.”

Lucken said the two of them are constantly talking to each other during the day, typically spending several hours straight on calls.

“It’s not always that we’re sitting there with our full focus on each other for that full time,” Lucken said. “We’ll just turn on the camera and do homework together, (or) she’ll sit and read a book, and I’ll paint or draw, just (to be) there with each other. Sometimes we’re sitting there and watching a full movie or shows together.”

Guerrero also said that technology has brought opportunities to connect.

“One of the games we both got into early on (was) ‘Borderlands.’ That’s another game that we’re going to sink some more time into,” Guerrero said. “I think that’d be really fun. Find a new show to watch together (on) Netflix watch party or something like that and connect in that way.”

Chan said that using technology came naturally to their relationship.

“We text every day, and we usually make it a habit to FaceTime each other at night and just summarize each other’s days,” Chan said. “It’s not really something that we agreed to do — it’s just the natural thing that we do.”

Lucken said that being long distance has strengthened her relationship.

“It’s made me realize that this is somebody that I want to spend the rest of my life (with),” Lucken said. “If we can have such a good relationship while not being in person, and if we both have so much trust for each other (built) up over these years … In the future, when we do get to live together, it’s going to be much more harmonious. I think we’ve developed a really good sense of trust (and loyalty) with each other.”

ANGIE ORDONEZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Comparing ‘ideal love’ to personal definitions

By Kylie Corral buzz Editor

Love is in the air. Feb. 14 approaches at a speed that leaves most scrambling to plan a special occasion for those they love or try to find a date for Valentine’s Day.

Love is most definitely everywhere, even in the frigid cold, but it can also be found on the screens of popular movies, social media and in popular and trendy novels. Our constant contact with the idea of love has affected us in many ways, one of which is by developing the idea of an “ideal love.”

Maya Raviv, junior in LAS, said that although it’s hard to compare love in the 21st century to other centuries we have not lived, expectations have certainly changed.

“It seems, to me like there is a higher emphasis on aesthetics nowadays,” Raviv said. “I think in the sense that you’d be seeing social media, reality TV shows and a lot of shows that romanticize love, but those love stories that you see are highly curated, and they have a certain aesthetic to them. You want to replicate that love story.”

Raviv said one example of this is how people go on Tinder and swipe left or right on potential matches based on the person’s bio, using information such as their favorite song to make the decision.

“You’d be going out on dating apps or going out into the world and looking for people that have a certain aesthetic to them instead of just looking to make connections,” Raviv said.

Kelly White, junior in LAS, agreed, saying that fast-paced social media have played a part in hurting all kinds of relationships.

“Since we’re all very connected now, with having social media and phones and being able to contact people basically whenever, I feel like in some ways, that can create the sense that you’re always connected, so you should always be together,” White said. “In a sense, you’re always talking, and I think in some instances, that can create codependency issues. I think that could definitely create some strain in romantic relationships and even platonic relationships too.”

White said that in movies and novels, even the idea of a soulmate or a love that lasts forever has some impact on how we view relationships in real life.

“You see a lot of this like, really ide -

al relationship where someone falls in love and you kind of expect them to get their happily ever after at the end, and you’re like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna stay together forever,’” White said. I think that can also be kind of negative in some instances, because sometimes, you could stay in a relationship that isn’t necessarily healthy.”

Raviv added that some representations of what love should look like in the media can also be positive.

“And then there’s also more representation of homosexual relationships and queer relationships which is very, very important for normalization for people,” Raviv said. “But at the end of the day, what I feel like I’m seeing, at least in the past few years compared to, like, my parents’ stories, is that it’s a lot harder to make romantic connections. Nowadays, people won’t be

approaching you and asking you for coffee or to go out ... (That) happens very rarely, (whereas) I think in the past, it used to happen a lot more.”

However, White said that the most emphasis seems to be on the “perfect” relationship.

“In general, I feel like (entertainment) just perpetuates the idea that, you know, relationships have to be perfect ... (and there) usually isn’t a lot of arguments shown or conflict in a relationship after they get together,” White said. “That could also be perpetuating the idea that a relationship is always going to be perfect, too.”

For White, she said that love is something based in understanding and trust.

“I feel like love is finding a mutual understanding and trust with someone else,” White said. “Also finding

someone who is willing to communicate with you and willing to meet your needs, or just compromise with you in general over any issues that you have.”

For Raviv, she said love is something that is mutual between two people.

“I feel like love would be, well, if we’re talking about romantic love that’s very different than other forms of love, but I see love as something that is mutual,” Raviv said. “To love someone means that you are their friend — you’re willing to listen and be there for them, lowering your guard, wanting to spend every minute with that person ... (You love them) for who they are, not for some sort of image of who you think they might be.”

AMY SANCHEZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Celebrity sexuality speculation prompts boundary issues

Students analyze obsessive fan behaviors, accusations of queerbaiting in entertainment

By Caroline Sweeney Staff Writer

We seem to get a pretty good glimpse into the lives of major celebrities through interviews, behind-thescenes videos and social media, but it’s safe to say that there’s still a lot we don’t know about them.

While most believe that being in the public eye is part of the celebrity status, others believe the role of celebrities does not subject them to reveal every single detail regarding their personal life.

Most would say that relationships are personal, but people still relentlessly bother celebrities, trying to get the hot gossip about their lives. One instance that’s been happening quite a bit lately, which seems to cross a line, is questioning celebrities about their sexuality.

Máiréad Meehan, freshman in LAS, said that a person’s sexuality should never be up for debate or discussion, no matter who it is.

“I believe one’s sexuality is something that should not be open for discussion because it is no one’s business except for the individual themselves,” Meehan said. “The same goes for celebrities. People think that because they are in the public eye, they agreed to expose their lives — which is not true.”

AJ Rijo Sánchez, graduate student studying sociology, said that although he agrees, representation does play a part in these instances.

“I will say I do not think celebrities’ sexualities should be public information. However, I acknowledge the utility and need for diverse representation,” Sánchez said.

However, sometimes representation is taken advantage of by fans and becomes something else entirely.

A similar incident recently occurred with 18-year-old actor, Kit Connor. Connor is well known

for playing Nick Nelson in Netflix’s Original “Heartstopper,” which fea tures an openly-gay character that finds friendship and love with anoth er classmate.

The show’s message centers on being who you want to be and believ ing that there’s happiness out there for everyone.

However, people all over social media were soon accusing the “Heart stopper” actor of queerbaiting, which can be defined as a case where cre ators hint at, but then do not depict, LGBTQ+ representation in order to attract an LGBTQ+ audience. Many artists, actors and actresses have been accused of queerbaiting.

Because of these accusations, Con nor felt the need to post on Twitter about it.

“Back for a minute. I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out him self. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye,” Connor wrote.

Meehan also addressed the situ ation, saying that this idea divides people rather than bringing them together.

“People think that just because he played a role in an LGBTQ+ show means that he has to be a part of the community or else he shouldn’t be representing his character, Nick Nelson,” Meehan said. “This is a completely unrealistic idea and would not only out many celebrities, but also bring a divide in the industry.”

Another incident is in regards to the release of Taylor Swift’s song “Lavender Haze.” After the music video dropped, many fans started to speculate that it was about Swift’s own sexuality, since lavender is strongly associated with LGBTQ+ pride and community.

Swift released an in-depth background on the same song while she was promoting the album and confirmed it was not in relation to her sexuality. Many fans were upset and

even homophobic.

“I think it was an unfortunate coincidence,” Meehan said. “People can still connect to the song anyway ... because it’s put out into the world to connect and make people feel emotions and make it their own.”

The general public jumping to conclusions or assuming things with little to no knowledge about celebrities’ lives is problematic. It can even cause harm, like with Connor.

Jordan Smith, freshman in Education, explained where he thinks the problem begins.

“I do feel like people are a little bit obsessed about knowing what people are just so that they can associate a

It’s hard to not want to know everything about the people we adore, but there’s a line in-between what’s OK to ask and what’s not. It seems that most would agree that sexuality is one of those due to the toxicity it can bring into the situation. Yet, people still constantly ask about it when given the opportunity.

“People should read more on LGBTQ+ history and listen to others to hear different experiences in life,” Meehan said. “(There) is so much hatred in the world that people just need to respect each other and their boundaries.”

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

The intrusive side of Hollywood romance

By Maaike Niekerk Staff Writer

It’s an infatuation; keeping up with the drama about your favorite stars, learning about their romance history and whoever they might be pursuing next in the dating scene. Many say celebrities serve to entertain, after all.

Of course, with celebrity drama, there’s only one way for us to come by this information since we don’t know these people in real life. It’s easy to forget, but everything we learn about celebrities first goes through the critical lens of the media.

With the constant hunger for more information on the most popular celebrity couples, it’s no wonder why some organizations are willing to go so far for footage and interviews. Celebrity drama keeps them in business by keeping the audience entertained.

However, intruding in an actor’s life can go too far. The media can play a drastic role by chasing down stars for stories and asking intrusive questions for the inside scoop. However, fans are enforcing these actions by restricting the people they idolize from a private life for their personal entertainment.

Molly Sheahan, freshman in LAS, agreed, saying there is more than one way that celebrity relationships are harmed.

“I have seen relationships (get) ridiculed on the internet for a very long time,” Sheahan said.

The internet is the way that so many of us get access to information on our favorite star couples. However, we must recognize how we get said information.

Naturally, a lot of inside romance news comes from the celebrity couples themselves. There can be many motivating factors for releasing private information such as establishing relatability, maintaining popularity or simpler reasons.

Chris Evans (not that Chris Evans), professor in Media, said one of the reasons might be that exposure benefits the celebrities themselves.

“If a celebrity is voluntarily putting information out to the public … it’s probably for a number of reasons, but one of them is certainly profit,” Evans said.

Evans clarified that although celebrities can be especially intentional with what they show to the public, fans

may not pick up on it. This can be useful for PR stunts or relationships that are specifically curated for stars to gain fans and fame.

“High-profile people who intentionally put themselves in the public eye are going to know that when they go into public, or allow something to be seen in public, it is likely going to be picked up by someone,” Evans said.

Most of what is seen on social media regarding celebrity relationships has been recorded by paparazzi or gossip columns who are known for being overly intrusive toward celebrities in the past.

Shehzad Bajowala, freshman in Engineering, said that “sometimes the information they’re trying to dig up is useless.”

Bajowala specifically cited the incident of Princess Diana’s death, as she was killed in a car accident while

being chased by cameramen.

“There’s no question that the paparazzi go too far,” Bajowala said.

However, it is important to remember that paparazzi are not representative of the entirety of the media world.

“Paparazzi are a different breed from the average or more mainstream journalist,” Evans said.

Emily Hays, a reporter for Illinois Public Media, spoke on how paparazzi can be seen as giving the world of reporting somewhat of a bad reputation.

“Sometimes it feels like everybody is very distrustful of how I will represent them,” Hays said, speaking on her work involving reporting about structural inequality.

Hays also mentioned that professional journalists have a much better understanding of consent when working with celebrities than the paparaz-

zi do.

Since a lot of information collected by paparazzi on celebrity couples is not necessarily taken willingly, the issue of accuracy must also be drawn into question.

“People are very distrustful of media,” Hays said. “And there are some very legitimate reasons for that.”

Once this media is released, the major factor affecting celebrities’ romances is the way the public reacts to it. A common behavior of celebrity fans is to ship a pair of performers or celebrities that they like, forcing the two into a relationship in their minds.

“I believe that shipping celebrities in real life is definitely overstepping many boundaries,” Sheahan said. “It’s not up to the consumer of the media to insert themselves into the lives of celebrities, and many people take it to a level that is extremely toxic.”

Shipping of fictional characters within shows or films is also extremely common.

“Fictional characters can be more open to interpretation … Once it starts to cross into the real person’s life is where the real issue begins,” Sheahan added.

Bajowala spoke on how the act of shipping real people may have an extremely negative effect on celebrities and their relationships on a very personal level.

“If you’re constantly trying to put a label on a relationship, or trying to assert a relationship between two people … that can just defeat the purpose of trying to get to know someone,” Bajowala said.

While audiences and fans of mainstream celebrities could clearly stand to take a step back, the media also holds a certain responsibility of what is responsible to put out for the world to see.

“The press needs to be aware of what they’re choosing to amplify,” Evans said.

Amplifying relationships of people we don’t even know on a personal level seems much more serious when put into perspective. Celebrity romances may be better left private even though the public shows no signs of letting up on their obsessions.

“I think people just need to understand boundaries better and start treating celebrities like they’re real people,” Sheahan said.

AMY SANCHEZ THE DAILY ILLINI

It’s OK to be alone on Valentine’s Day

By The Daily Illini Editorial Board

’Tis the season of pastel pink hearts, chocolates in heart-shaped boxes and adorable plushies. These items prominently line the shelves of stores while a million voices cry out, “I’m free on February 14th.” But amid all of the romantic pressure of the holiday, we want to remind you that it’s OK to spend Valentine’s Day with yourself.

If you find yourself “needing” a date for Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone.

In fact, this pressure to find a date underscores an altogether bigger issue: How college dating and hookup culture pressures individuals into having regrettable sex to find belonging.

For many of us, attending a university coincides with the point in our lives where we are given monumental freedoms that we have never experienced before. The knee-jerk

reaction is to chase these highs without any concern for what we really want. How many doe-eyed freshmen go to parties looking for the love of their life only to be disappointed by the results?

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t participate in hookups or dating culture, so long as you enjoy it and practice it safely. The act itself is not the problem.

The issue comes from the toxic aspects of college culture that make you feel as though you need to participate in hookup and dating culture. For example, some fraternities and sororities on campus regularly shame their brothers and sisters for not having sex.

But you don’t have to be in Greek life to be subjected to this kind of teasing. Boasting about sexual conquests and shaming others for lacking experience or interest is far too

common online. The result? Feelings of inadequacy and estrangement.

This kind of language is symptomatic of our society that associates sex with status. The idea of this is that those who have sex and are able to “pull” a variety of different partners are superior to those who do not or choose not to. This way of thinking is inherently flawed.

Valentine’s Day comes from contentious origins — be it martyred priests or pagan fertility rituals. But this time of year has always been about sending romantic cards and lovemaking, and as everyone scrambles to find a date, the true meaning of love can get lost in translation.

In our society, the act of love is a paradox. When we rush into relationships, we often don’t stop to consider whether we’re mature enough to love at all. Broken hearts are not uncommon around Valentine’s Day.

Instead, you should love at your own pace and enter the dating scene when you feel ready to do so.

If you find yourself dateless on Valentine’s Day, fret not — there are a variety of different things you can do on campus that do not require a date. You could get your friends together and plan a movie night where you laugh at a rom-com. You could take yourself out on a date to a restaurant you’ve never been to before (we recommend making a reservation first).

If neither of these options suit you, then there’s nothing wrong with snuggling up on the couch with some cheap candy, putting on a movie you like and enjoying your own company.

This Valentine’s Day, we challenge you to fall in love with yourself. You might learn a thing or two about loving others.

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

The different meanings of ‘love’

“It’s hard to put into one definition, but love to me would mean sticking through with people even (with) their flaws and their quirks,” Longo said.

By Koumae Adams Staff Writer

The four-lettered word “love” possesses so much weight in our lives. But what does it really mean? For University students, love means different things to different people.

Samantha Shell, freshman in Engineering, said she thinks love comes as a form of enjoyment.

“I think it really comes down to just someone that you enjoy spending time with,” Shell said.

Santiago Leyva, freshman in Engineering, pointed out how broad the term “love” is.

“I think it means a lot of things … It can be trusting someone to be there for you,” Leyva said.

Sabrina Longo, freshman in LAS, said love is hard to define.

Longo also said that what the media portrays love as is not the only form of love.

“I think it can be in all types (and forms) and not just what is pushed in the media,” Longo said.

Neil Thammavijitdej, freshman in ACES, described love as something like a special gift.

“It’s just like the nature of love, which is to give something away without (expecting) anything back,” Thammavijitdej said. “I think that is love, where you (only) want to give.”

Yajur Sharma, freshman in Engineering, described love as a certain mixture of feelings.

“My definition of love would be a feeling of mutual trust, respect and compassion,” Sharma said.

Thammavijitdej commented on another form of love: self love.

“(I) like loving myself and who I am

— the person that I am,” Thammavijitdej said.

With romance being heavily present during this time of the year, advice on love is something that many people could use right now.

Shell said balancing things is important.

“It’s easy to follow one or the oth-

er, but definitely don’t ignore your gut feelings (or) what your heart tells you,” Shell said.

Leyva echoed this sentiment.

“Once you find that balance and you know how to manage your relationship, that is your key to happiness,” Leyva said.

Thammavijitdej said that there are many ways love and connection can be expressed.

“I think in relationships, there’s so many ways we can relate it to one another,” Thammavijitdej said. “The way we relate to one another should not be just physical, but intellectual, spiritual and (the) many ways we can relate to one another in the long term.”

Sharma talked about the importance of watching for red flags.

“Be careful. If you see a certain sign that troubles you, communicate about it,” Sharma said. “If someone isn’t willing to give 100% to you, then it means that it really isn’t for you.”

kadam21@dailyillini.com

SEBASTIAN HOLT THE DAILY ILLINI

Students try to define the multifaceted term

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Greek life shuts out people with disabilities

By Safia Khan Columnist

Spring semester has begun, and with that, an influx of emails and direct messages encouraging students to rush fraternities and sororities are peppering inboxes and social media pages.

While many college students join Greek life to build friendships and gain a sense of belonging, others avoid it like the plague due to its inherently exclusionary nature.

There are a multitude of reasons why students might stay away from Greek life. But one factor people may overlook is how Greek life is inaccessible for people with physical disabilities, which presents a barrier when they seek to rush.

Out of the 87 total Greek organizations at the University, only Kappa Delta is equipped with an accessible ramp for entrance. According to a student from the University who rushed a different fraternity, members had to carry students in wheelchairs “up and down stairs” due to the fraternity house’s lack of a ramp.

While public organizations are

required by law to follow the construction standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, private organizations — which include fraternities and sororities — do not have to comply with these regulations.

Even though Greek organizations are private, they shouldn’t take advantage of their status to ignore other people’s needs and exclude others. In the progressive age we are currently in, lack of accessibility is unacceptable.

The University is credited with having the first post-secondary disability support service program in the world, called Disability Resources and Educational Services. Dr. Timothy Nugent, the founder of DRES, pioneered an accessibility-first mindset by leading the University to make living spaces accessible and integrate students with disabilities.

But the University’s storied history in helping people with disabilities access their environment is obsolete when it comes to Greek life. Considering that students have a world-class program and support for students with disabilities, the University should step in for students with disabilities who want to

rush.

Lack of funding is often cited as the cause of why Greek houses are inaccessible for students with physical disabilities, but that excuse is insubstantial. Greek organizations make money from their pledges, fees charged, dues, alumni contributions and fundraisers. Out of the thousands of dollars gained, at least some of it should be invested toward increasing access for people with physical disabilities.

People with disabilities are not a commodity. Citing funding as a rea-

son for the lack of accessible entrances is objectifying and treats basic access as a privilege rather than a right.

By equipping Greek houses with ramps, following policies listed by the ADA and working with DRES to improve access, Greek organizations can start to close the gap between diversity and inclusion.

At any university, inclusion is important for more than just academics. A student with a disability may be accommodated in the classroom and have accessible entrances, but they are not prevented from suffering socially.

Students with disabilities who want to join Greek social circles are often deterred from doing so due to these constraints. They might feel like they have to hide a part of themselves in order to be accepted — Greek organizations will reject people outright if they don’t fit the mold of what they consider acceptable.

Diversity does not solely apply to skin color. Greek organizations can expand their outreach by making disability part of their diversity efforts.

Safia is a freshman in LAS.

ANGIE ORDONEZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Iowa snaps Illini’s 3-game win streak

By James Kim Assistant Sports Editor

It was a nail-biting game on Saturday as the Illini went to work against the Hawkeyes in a game riddled with fouls. By the end, Illinois’ three-game win streak was snapped in Iowa City as the team fell in an 81-79 defeat.

Head coach Brad Underwood sent out the same starting five that got the Illini on a three-game winning streak. Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr., freshman guard Jayden Epps, fifth-year forward Matthew Mayer, junior forward Coleman Hawkins and redshirt sophomore Dain Dainja were the first ones to take the floor.

Mayer got things going for Illinois, scoring a triple before Kris Murray answered with a three for Iowa. The opening 10 minutes were tightly contested as neither team could pull away on the scoreboard. Mayer and Dainja led the way in scoring for the visitors, combining for all of the Illini’s points in the first five minutes. Freshman guard Ty Rodgers came off the bench and

provided the visitors with immense energy, scoring four quick points on 2-2 shooting. Despite the early lead, the Hawkeyes managed to hit big shots, including multiple from beyond the arc, boosting them to a 23-18 advantage at the 9:39 mark. The Illini were able to claw their way back after consecutive buckets from Mayer, sparking what became

an 8-0 scoring run. Illinois had its lead back at 30-27 at the 5:51 mark.

Hawkins and Rodgers put together a 6-0 run to close out the half as Iowa’s shooting form took a dramatic hit. However, a 6-0 Hawkeyes run of their own cut the Illini lead to 36-35 heading into the break.

Illinois got going on an 11-0 run early in the second half after buckets from Dainja, Epps and Shannon. Toptier defense from the Illini forced the Hawkeyes into a 3:35 scoring drought.

The momentum was lost after two consecutive fouls by Rodgers sent the Hawkeyes to the free-throw line for four straight points. Shannon committed a foul shortly after, allowing Iowa to cut Illinois’ lead down to two at 49-47.

Epps went to work and scored 12 straight points to maintain the Illini’s narrow lead. By the 11:51 mark, the visitors were up by four. Mayer completed a crucial three-point play, but the Illini continued to commit personal fouls that gave the Hawkeyes chances to keep the game close.

At the 7:28 mark, Mayer picked up

a fourth foul as Tony Perkins shot 2-2 from the line, cutting Illinois’ lead to 65-64. The Illini could not stop fouling, with Hawkins sending Perkins back to the line. Iowa sparked a 6-0 run that regained the Hawkeyes’ lead at 68-65.

A huge three point play by Shannon then tied the game at 70-70 at the 4:32 mark, as both teams continued to foul.

The final five minutes were extremely tight. Both teams were sent to the line on numerous occasions, always with Iowa remaining slightly ahead until Mayer nailed a huge three-point attempt to tie the game at 76-76 with 2:44 on the clock.

The Hawkeyes received a huge boost after a three from Payton Sandfort stunted all Illinois momentum. Sophomore guard RJ Melendez helped the Illini cut the deficit to two at 80-78 after two free throw makes with 19 seconds left. However, the Illini couldn’t find the winner and lost 81-79 by the end of regulation.

@james_kim15

jamessk4@dailyillini.com

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Fifth-year forward Matthew Mayer makes a jump shot against Nebraska on Feb. 31.

‘Dream Hou$e’ navigates Latina identity

By A. Oishii Basu Staff Writer

“Dream Hou$e,” a critically acclaimed play about two estranged Latina sisters navigating grief, culture and identity while selling their ancestral home via a home-improvement reality TV show, opened on Thursday to a packed house at The Station Theatre in Urbana.

On the night of the show’s debut, patrons were shoulder to shoulder, chatting in anticipation of the play.

Madeline Seim is a long-time frequenter of the theater. She said she distinctly remembers the last production, “Homegrown,” which was about the Jan. 6 insurrection. She added that it was very funny.

“We come all the time.” Seim said. “They do a lot of topics. They do some musicals that ... are staples, but then they do a lot of topics that are more socially oriented.”

Another audience member, Andrew Rehn, began volunteering as a set painter during the production of “Homegrown” and continues to actively participate at The Station Theatre.

Rehn said the idea for the set is based on Spanish Revival architecture indicative of the setting: California. He said he enjoys seeing how drastically the same materials turn into different sets.

As the lights dimmed, the black box theater created an intimate environment for the audience. Director Jacqueline Moreno found it perfect for this story for that reason.

Moreno, senior in FAA, said that she has been pursuing theater since high school. She added that she has a background in acting and dramaturgy but has enjoyed directing the most because it allowed her to have control of the story.

“I like how personal it can feel,” Moreno said. “I like getting really up and close and personal with the stories that I hope to tell.”

The set was a dark beige stucco living room with clay tiles painted onto the floor. There was a decorative cross, baby photos and various trophies on the altar.

The two sisters, Julia and Patricia Castillo—played by Laney Rodriguez and Mariana Seda, respectively— enter and are enraptured by unresolved conflicts, responsibilities and surreal games that they are required to participate in to sell their home.

The reality show they wish to sell

their house on, “Flip It or List It!” is complete with a perky passive-aggressive host, Tessa Westbrook, played by Gabrielle Demarco, and game show sound effects.

As the play continues, they begin to navigate how gentrification is affecting the setting’s neighborhood of Hilo Villa, Calif.

Moreno said gentrification is largely affecting California and places closer to home like Chicago, adding that the Latinx neighborhood of Pilsen, Chicago, is being pushed out.

She said she hopes this story inspires the audience to try and engage in positive action to prevent this process.

“Hopefully, it makes the audience (ask) questions like, ‘Is this a problem I am seeing right now, and how can I personally try and help?’” Moreno said. “(It can be) something as small

as ‘Hey, maybe I should buy coffee from this local Mom-and-Pop shop.’”

Moreno said she believes the play is also about self-identity, culture and sacrifice. They said the play first screamed at her through the character of Patricia Castillo.

“A lot of what she talks about (is) wanting to make great money and not wanting to work until her bones turn to dust like her mother,” Moreno explained. “I’ve had to watch my own mother work hours and hours on end. I don’t want to do that. I want to give my own parents luxury.”

Actress Laney Rodriguez, graduate student studying theater, has been acting for the last 17 years.

Rodriguez said the play is a story all audiences can resonate with due to its major themes of family, grief, loss, identity and assimilation.

“I think this play offers this unique opportunity to see something through a very specific lens, and it really resonates with so many different people,” Rodriguez said.

She said she appreciates the tightknit community of artists at The Station Theatre and the opportunity to tell these stories.

“It gives actors of color (the chance) to portray those stories that are closer to home and share those stories that otherwise would not have been told,” Rodriguez said. “One of my goals as an actor (and) as an artist is to create this work that’s starting to change the narrative of the American theater as we know it. I think stories like this are really helping to make that come true.”

ANGEL SALDIVAR THE DAILY ILLNI

The cast of “Dream Hou$e” pose after the show’s debut at The Station Theater on Thursday.

It takes an expert in clinical nutrition to know that the right food can be medicine

Rush University’s College of Health Sciences prepares graduates to meet and exceed the increasing demand in growing allied health fields. .

Explore a career in Clinical Nutrition at rushu.rush.edu/nutrition