For This Valentine’s Day: Messages of Love and Gratitude to Friends

Something a little different for 2022 from the BU community

Image of pink and red origami hearts scattered on the bottom of a light pink background

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For This Valentine’s Day: Messages of Love and Gratitude to Friends

Something a little different for 2022 from the BU community

February 14, 2022
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When we think of Valentine’s Day, we typically think of romance—cards festooned with images of Cupid and his bow and arrow, heart-shaped candy, flowers, quiet dinners. But we at BU Today decided that this year—especially this year—the holiday would be a good chance to celebrate a different kind of relationship: that of the friends in our lives. So we invited students, faculty, and staff to write a message of love and gratitude to a close friend, with a promise to publish them on Valentine’s Day. We also heard from folks who wanted to express their love for their romantic partner as well as a few proud parents who couldn’t resist the opportunity to send a special message to their Terrier.

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 white women look forward and smile to the camera. Polaroid is placed on a background of red and pink hearts, cupcakes, flowers, and rainbows.

Happy Valentine’s day, Aidan! I’m so lucky to have found such an awesome friend at BU. I’ll never forget how we met at the GSU during FYSOP and became friends while riding the T to Cambridge. I love how we can laugh about anything and everything, even things that make no sense. Transferring to BU was exciting for both of us, and I’m glad we were able to discover Boston together! I know we’ll be friends for a very long time and love that we’ve taught each other how to “Be you” at BU. Here’s to many more walks down Comm Ave and conversations trying to convince each other to switch to the other’s major. Love you! Sophia

From: Sophia Pelletier (Questrom’24)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 white women looking forward and smiling to the camera. Polaroid is placed on a background of red hearts, pink and red flowers, and rainbows. a vase of tan and red flowers, and a red and white striped heart lollipop

I love you, Victoria!!! Your friendship has foundationally changed me into a kinder, more open and loving person. I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared together, from lighthearted Life Alive dates to the really hard-to-have conversations. You inspire me every day with your ability to think of others no matter how busy you are, and you’ve consistently shown me compassion, even in times when I might not have deserved it. Thank you for being you, and happy Valentine’s Day :)

From: Marissa Carty (CAS’22)

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of 2 white women holding up Insomnia cookies and smiling . Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of eyes with moons as irises, stars, pink hearts, a cupcake, and a mug

Dear Dana,

I’m so grateful that BU brought us together. From our first coffee dates to our pandemic movie nights and Her Campus meetings, I’ve thought about how lucky I was to have found a friend as kind, thoughtful, funny, and generous as you. We haven’t had much time in person (and we’re going to be even farther apart soon), but it’s only made me appreciate your presence in my life even more. On this Valentine’s Day, I want you to know that I love you and I wish you only the very best. The “crème de la crème,” as we like to say in French. Thank you for being my best friend. 

P.S. Enjoy this photo of our Insomnia Cookies run in the rain. It’s a pretty bad one, but it’ll have to do.

From: Ariane Vigna (CAS’22, COM’22)

Image: Polaroid style mirror photo of 2 women making silly poses in their bathroom mirror . Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of neutral style rainbows, a red flower, and a red heart

Love you so, so much and I’m so happy to have you as a friend. Be kind to yourself and know I’ll always be here for you

From: Ayna Molina (CAS’23)

Image: Polaroid style photo of two women smiling and posing together in a room with purple mood lighting . Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of red and pinks flowers, red heart flowers, a red flower, and a jar of hearts

Good thing I’m over 21 because your beauty is intoxicating. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you <3

From: Defne Yucebas (CAS’23)

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of 2 asian women making cute poses for the camera. Polaroid is placed on a background of red and pink hearts, cupcakes, flowers, and rainbows.

Thank you for being there at my worst.

From: Kelly Tang (COM’25)

Image: Polaroid style photo of two asian women sitting on either side of a bronze Rhett statue on a bench. One wears a blue mask while the other smiles at the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of red and pink flowers, red heart flowers, taupe moons, and a pink camera

To Cecilia, the most brilliant, independent, and charming young lady I know, Happy Galentine’s Day! I never dreamed that I could have “the college roommate” that movies portray. I could always talk to you about anything, from academic TED Talks to frivolous gossip. Even though they say that people come and go in different phases of your life, what’s certain is our shared memories of the good and the bad, and my respect for you. 

Also, cheers to us building our first snowman as seniors who have been in Boston for four years!! (Where have we been all along?) I have a newfound appreciation for the “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” song from Frozen. 

I know we’ve spent a lot of time discussing misgivings about the future, so let’s not do that now. Here’s to this moment of knowing you.

From: Christina Yin (COM’22)

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of a white mother and daughter at a seaside. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of red, tan, and pink flowers, red hearts, and a large red heart with a brown banner with the word "love" on it in white

Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite daughter! You are the light in my heart and the happiness in my soul. I LOVE YOU MORE!!!

From: Julie Edwards, BU parent

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of a white mother and biracial, tan daughter in front of a state ouse style building. Polaroid is placed on a dark tan background with a pattern of red, tan, and pink flowers, and red hearts.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mame-Diarra! Freshman year at BU has been tough academically, but you’ve made great new friends and had some wonderful experiences. I love you so much and I’m so proud of you!

From: Stephanie Ngom, senior lecturer, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs, and BU parent

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of a white mother and daughter outside on a warm spring day. Polaroid is placed on a dark tan background with a pattern of red hearts and white dots. One heart has a dark brown banner that reads "love" in white.

Милая девочка, мы с папой поздравляем тебя с днём Св. Валентина, потому что мы тебя очень любим. Котик, рыбка, птичка, цветочек (дикая роза), и лапочка- это ты! Пусть у тебя всё будет хорошо, и солнце тебе светит, и цветы распускаются, и жизнь дарит радость и хорошее настроение!

English translation: 

Dear girl, your dad and I congratulate you on St. Valentine’s Day, because we love you very much. A cat, a fish, a bird, a flower (wild rose), and a sweetheart—that’s you! May everything be fine with you, and the sun shine on you, and flowers bloom, and life gives joy and a good mood!

From: Katya Nemtchinova, BU parent

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women looking into each other eyes and laughing as they lean in for an almost kiss.Polaroid is placed on a red background with a pattern of white hearts. Clipart of a tan rainbow and moon are placed near the polaroid.

Cheers to our first Valentine’s Day together <3 I love you, squish

From: Elizabeth Nelson (CAS’22)

Image: Polaroid style selfie photo of 2 black women in front of a lake. One smiles and the other wears a black face mask. Polaroid is placed on a light tan background with a pattern of muted dark tan sprigs of leaves. 2 red and pink flowers border the polaroid.

I’ve enjoyed every single year of friendship with you. Thank you for all of your wisdom, kindness, support, and attentiveness. Oh! And thank you for getting me hooked on Naruto. That show is awesome. Love you lots!!

From: Kendall Lowe (CAS’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of a seated woman posing and smiling for the camera in front of a scenic sunset. Polaroid is placed on a light pink background of red and pink hearts, cupcakes, and tan flowers.

Vanessa!! 

Estamos muy orgullosos de ti! Te queremos con todo nuestro corazón ♥ te extrañamos mucho, pero sabemos que estás viviendo tu sueño!!

Con mucho amor! Papi, Mami y Jaime

English translation via Google: 

Vanessa!!
We are very proud of you! We love you with all our hearts ♥ we miss you so much, but we know you are living your dream!!

With lots of love! Daddy, Mommy and Jaime

From: Blanca Ramirez, BU parent

Image: Polaroid style photo of a tan couple and brown dog sitting under a blanket together and looking forward and smiling to the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background of red hearts, pink and red flowers, and rainbows. an envelope of tan and red flowers, and a red and white striped heart lollipop

To my beautiful Destiny, to our puppy, Matcha, and to spending another lifetime together. Happy Love Day, boo!

From: Jaden Duenas (COM’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women standing atop a rocky edge overlooking a large body of water. They wear winter gear and smile at the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of neutral style rainbows, a brown sign that reads "love", and a red heart

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lily. I love you so so very very much! Hope you have a lovely day <3

From: Amie Belisle, BU parent

Image: Polaroid style photo of a south asian man and women wearing masks looking forward and smiling to the camera as they hold up Van Gogh style coloring pages. Polaroid is placed on a background of red and pink hearts, cupcakes, flowers, and rainbows.

Most couples want to be Jim and Pam, but we are a Michael and Dwight :P

From: Ashwini Chaudhari (SPH’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 white people posing together as they smile for the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background of red and pink hearts, cupcakes, and flowers.

Julian, 

I am so beyond grateful for you, and every day I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have you & our relationship. You are the most loving person, and I’m so happy with all of the memories we have created. I’m also super proud of you for all of the hard work you’ve put in this semester so far, you’re doing amazing! I love you tons and I hope this brightens your day! I can’t wait to see you soon!

Love, Taylor

From: Taylor Marshall (non-BU-affiliated partner)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women sitting in a cafe and leaning towards each other as they make silly faces at the camera. Polaroid is placed on a light tan background with a pattern of dark tan moons and pink hearts. A red flower and pink lollipop border polaroid.

I’m so glad we are roomies AND besties :)

From: India Stevenson (CGS’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 white women, one wearing oversized yellow glasses and the other a prop scarf, as they make silly poses for the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of red, tan, and pink flowers, red hearts, and a large envelope overflowing with various flowers

Happy V-Day to someone who knows me and yet somehow still wants to hang out. What would I do without you? I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. You’re the best!! On Valentine’s Day and actually, every day, I’m thankful for your warm, caring, and lovely heart!

From: Christina Polyzos (Questrom’91, COM’97), associate director, Center for Information & Systems Engineering

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women of color, masks lowered and smiling, as they stand and pose together in front of a table with merchandise for their club. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of red, tan, and pink flowers, red hearts, and a pink camera

Dear Elana, 

Thank you for being such a rock star at everything you do! I cannot imagine my BU Arts Initiative journey without you—you make each workday so worth it. You add so much value to the work you do. With the two of us together, we are simply unstoppable. Happy Valentine’s Day, chica!

Best regards,
Ivy Buena

From: Ivy Buena (Wheelock’17), program administrator, BU Arts Initiative

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women seated in the GSU and leaning towards each other with an arm overhead to create a heart with their bodies and smile at the camera. Polaroid is placed on a tan background with a pattern of neutral style rainbows, a brown sign that reads "love", and a red heart in the middle bottom of the polaroid

I met one of my best friends in the world, Ashley, at the very first meeting for ASIABU, and the rest is history. We served on the club’s E-board together for years while also bonding over K-pop and food in general (but especially hot pot). Although she’s graduated and moved away from Boston now, I still catch myself reaching to invite her to the library or for Starbucks at least once a week; old habits die hard! I know you’re off doing amazing things with your life, Ashley, but don’t forget about little old me! I love you with my whole heart (except for the part reserved for Dami from Dreamcatcher).

From: Megan Hodge (CAS’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women wearing face masks and standing in front of a city background as they look and smile towards the camera. Polaroid is placed on a white background with a pattern of pinks hearts. Clipart of a tan vase of red and pink flowers and pink berries border the polaroid.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Selena! Destiny brought us together in that fateful Core Picnic and I couldn’t be more grateful. You bring out the best in me and always encourage me toward growth and success. I couldn’t ask for a better friend, partner in crime, and confidant. I’m so happy I get to graduate alongside you; you’re headed toward amazing things and I want to be there to cheer you on. I love you, girl!

From: Rebecca (“Rivkah”) Cohen (CAS’22)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women looking into each other eyes and smiling as one sits on the couch and the other lies down and rests her head in the other's lap. Polaroid is placed on a red background with a pattern of pink and red flowers and white hearts. Clipart of a tan flower and cupcake are placed near the polaroid.

Happy Hearts Day to one of my favorite people, ever!! I’m so thankful we spent all 4 years of BU as roommates—a statistic I am so proud to share with everyone I meet. Sending you lots of love, hugs, & moon dust.

From: Emily Kirwin (CGS’16, CAS’18)

Image: Polaroid style photo of 2 women leaning towards each other as they smile at the camera. Polaroid is placed on a light tan background with a pattern of dark tan moons and pink hearts. A red flower and pink lollipop border polaroid.

Happy ladies celebrating ladies day <3 I’m happy to have a friend like you in Boston. I wish you all the happiness and love in the world. Let’s go for a chocolate run sometime ;)

From: Viviana Dominguez, research study assistant, School of Medicine Graduate Medical Sciences

Image: Polaroid style photo of a Japanese mother, father, and daughter in front a shrine. The man wears a suit while the mother and daughter wear traditional kimonos. Polaroid is placed on a red background with a pattern of muted green sprigs of leaves.

Thanks to my lovely wife, I was able to enter the spring semester at the Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (CELOP) at Boston University. And my daughter is a CELOP student too 😊😊。

With love, Akihiko ❤💌❤

From: Akihiko Ikai, CELOP student

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