Valentine’s Day 2022: Your stories of love and kindness
Above, second-year chemistry students Mariane Sabino, left, and Vanessa Olivera pose in the Quad on campus. (Photo by Jake Stendel)
For Valentine’s Day this year, we asked you to share the ways love, kindness and friendship have made a difference in your life during a tumultuous time. And - you delivered.
From a beautiful friendship that formed between two classmates (who still haven’t met!), to a little brother whose smile and laughter is giving strength and love to his sister abroad, read below the stories of love and kindness that have helped many of us throughout the pandemic.
Little brother makes a difference
Student Reva Chaudhary, top right, says her little brother, Ibrahimm, centre, has inspired her in a tough year away from home. (Photo courtesy of Reva Chaudhary)
“My brother made this year really special for me. I’ve just moved to Canada and living alone has been really tough for me. Sometimes, I am homesick and can’t focus on anything. My brother, Ibrahimm, who’s six years old, has motivated me to be the best version of myself. His insights on the smallest bits of things have inspired me to look forward and work hard. He constantly pushes me to thrive. Even though we are miles apart, his love for me cannot be just justified in words.
This Valentine’s Day, I want to highlight the strength of family. I want to take this day to express my utmost gratitude towards my family. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be at this prestigious university.”
Classmate gives ‘never ending support’
Above, top left, student Amanda McBain chats with classmate and friend Sandra Leach, centre. While they live four hours apart and have yet to meet in-person, McBain says they’ll be lifelong friends. (Photo courtesy of Amanda McBain)
“I met Sandra Leach in my first Disability Studies course this past fall. She messaged me after I posted my first ‘introduction’ discussion post where I spoke of being nervous about starting this crazy journey after 27 years out of the game and we became fast friends.
We are taking our courses online, we live over four hours away from each other and we have never met in person (yet) but we talk every single day. She has become my sounding board, my editor, my study buddy but most importantly she has kept me calm and brought me back from my, all too often, states of stress, anxiety or frustration with her advice, kindness and never ending support and encouragement.
I have met one of the best people I have ever known at 47 years old and I know we will be good friends long after this educational journey ends. I am forever grateful! Thank you Sandra ❤️ .”
-Amanda McBain (student)
Soulmate ‘loves me for me’
Above, front/centre, Ryerson student Valerie Segreti with her girlfriend and ‘forever person’ Alana, back left. (Photo courtesy of Valerie Segreti)
“My girlfriend and I started dating in October 2020. I was never the type of person to believe in your forever person or a soulmate, especially at such a young age - but that was until I met the most amazing, beautiful, smart and kind person I had ever met. She has made me a better person and has been by my side throughout all of Covid.
As much as Covid sucks, she has helped me make the most of it - whether it’s staying home, playing video games, ordering each other bubble tea, or dressing up and going out to dinner. My girlfriend has been the best girlfriend I could ever ask for. She continues to love me and support me through our ups and downs. I truly do love her so much. Happy Valentine’s Day <3.”
-Valerie Segreti (student)
Puppy love
Student Shannon Heron says her dog, Maxwell, above, has helped her cope with the loss of loved ones and is always by her side. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Heron)
“My story is about my dog named Maxwell. I love him so much. He is my best friend and a member of the family. This story is meaningful to me because this February my doggy turns 14 years old, and he’s been by my side since day one. He’s been by my side when I went through numerous close family and friends’ deaths, my own medical challenges, and all of the good times as well.
He is the most loving dog I’ve ever met, he always knows how to make my day. He has a reputation on our block and at his vet’s for always giving kisses, and he loves to be held and cuddled. He is such a good boy, and for the past 14 years, he’s been my best friend and my Valentine.”
-Shannon Heron (Student)
Related stories: