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Valentine's Day is all about reconnecting with loved ones — family and friends, relatives and grandkids. But that special someone deserves something, well, special, right? That's why Noorda students are here to help you reignite the spark and make memories this February 14.
The following recommendations are from Noorda medical students who are experts at balancing their taxing education with their personal lives. Here are their recommendations for romancing your sweetheart.
1. Sprinkle some hot sauce on date nights
Students varied in their feedback about date night, but they all agreed: it needs to keep happening and it needs to be fun. Noorda students are spicing up their date nights by switching off on planning, using ABC dating lists, or doing something spontaneous together.
If you're searching for date ideas beyond Valentine's evening, then make sure to add Noorda's grand opening on Saturday, March 9 to your calendars! They will have free escape rooms, an augmented reality tour, demonstrations of patient simulators (life-sized, robotic manikins) and more.
2. Lurn how two talk gud
Whether you two are high school sweethearts or two months into dating, you each brought communication habits, expectations, and needs into the relationship. Almost every Noorda-COM student shared advice regarding communication, here are a few favorite talking tips:
- Discuss evolving emotional needs and check in with each other often.
- Develop a regular habit of expressing what you love and appreciate about your partner.
- Practice active listening skills.
- Avoid any form of distractions when talking with each other.
- Decide whether you're a never-go-to-bed-angry couple or if you need some time to reset and then revisit the previous conversation.
3. Indulge their inner nerd
If your partner is in IT and loves coding, invite them to go to a techy escape room! If your spouse was in theater in high school, take an improv class with them. Noorda-COM students emphasized that spending time on each other's hobbies increases trust, empathy, and closeness.
Noorda-COM spouses and partners are a great example of this, as they spend many hours visiting their students on campus, helping with events. They even formed a club called The Village. They'll be supporting their students even more at the grand opening.
4. Pull a Symphony No. 94 in G Major on them
The classical music geeks understand the reference. Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major is often referred to as the surprise symphony because of a loud chord (in the second movement) that consistently shocks the audience.
Noorda-COM students recommend extending gestures or surprises. They enjoy:
- Leaving notes in random places
- Making their spouse's favorite meal
- Doing a task their partner hates
- Writing silly emails to each other throughout the day
- Planning spontaneous dates, like testing out the escape rooms at the grand opening
5. Learn from two Noorda-COM lovebirds
The current study body president, Yuna Jensen, was accepted to Noorda-COM's class of 2026 with her husband, Joshua Jensen. And last fall, they welcomed a third member to their family — Hiro Jensen.
Between aiding the student body, studying, and taking care of their new baby boy, the Jensens have a lot on their plate! But they don't neglect their relationship. Yuna explains, "Studying can become monotonous, but we try to make it more meaningful by studying together and bringing each others' favorite snacks. We also prioritize each other's successes — whether in school or otherwise — and never skip date night!"
Finally, remember that Valentine's Day is about being vulnerable and expressing love, not feeling anxious about one-upping last year's extravagant romantic gesture. It's an exciting opportunity — not an overwhelming challenge — to reconnect with your partner and remember the good ol' days. Get out there and wear your heart on your sleeve! Doctor's orders.
Located in Provo, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) offers an innovative approach to medical education. Visit Noorda-COM on Saturday, March 9, when they open their doors to the community.
The public is invited to experience an augmented reality tour, watch a robotic birth, participate in escape rooms, and enjoy other activities throughout the building. Sign up for an email reminder here.
