February is the season to celebrate love, but not just romantic love, it’s also the time to celebrate friendship and girlhood. JBUs' all-girls residence hall said, “No Boys” this past Thursday at their annual Galentine’s celebration, put on by the RHA. Mayfield Resident Assistant (RA) Ryane Owens announced in the Kresge Dining Hall Thursday night that all girls of JBU should join, while boys were decidedly disinvited.
Upon entering the basement, participants were met with loud laughter, chatter and music straight from a romcom.
“My favorite part of serving was getting everything set up before it started. We were all dancing and singing and figuring out what looked best together, which I loved. It's so fun when everyone puts their creativity together, and we get something really special,” RHA member and freshman Caia Underwood said.
By the front door, a butcher paper banner invited residents to write out their favorite parts of girlhood, such as getting ready together and sharing closets. RAs and residents themselves attended the table serving Shirley Temples, snacks and several chocolate fountains. There were chips, MnMs and other goodies, but further down the line, chocolate, banana, pretzel sticks, marshmallows and Oreos could be dipped in white or milk chocolate. For those with gluten sensitivities, there was a separate table providing them with gluten-free options, including chocolate-covered items, to reduce cross-contamination at the fountains.
“I was excited because I felt included, and I really appreciated the intention behind the gluten-free table,” sophomore Abby DeSpain said.
Offering the women of JBU the opportunity to celebrate girlhood, Galentines is one of the most anticipated events for JBUs female population.
“I got to serve at the snack table- it was so much fun getting to talk to the girls as they got their snacks and dipped treats in the chocolate fountain! It was such a blessing,” RHA member and freshman Claire Stonehouse said.
Across from the snack table, there was a backdrop and a Polaroid photo opportunity, accompanied by themed temporary tattoos. The backdrop was shiny tinsel, and small props were set at the table with tattoos. Throughout the rest of the room, there were tables busy with crafts. One table utilized the Polaroid station with a photo scrapbooking table. A candy heart bingo game was ongoing in the corner, where the winner would take home a goodie bag full of chocolates. A table was set to make Valentine's cards for friends and family. Another table was set to decorate heart-shaped glasses with beads and gems. Girls decorated their lenses with hearts and phrases like “XOXO” and “Be Mine.”
“…my favorite part of serving was being able to be around the people I love and know, but also getting to know new people that I may not have otherwise gotten to hang around with had I not been involved with RHA,” RHA member and sophomore Amelia Buie said.
Next up for the women of JBU is “Teach Me,” a women’s retreat at New Life Ranch, March 6 and 7. The weekend retreat is designed for community, discernment and prayer, and features guest speaker Caitlyn Bennett.
Photo by Hope Brittenham
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