Relationships 101

Couples show they're willing to work it out

Originally published in the Valencia Voice

Relationships can often times be as confusing and irritating as they are fulfilling. But judging by the reactions of the students who discussed their views on male and female relations, at Relationship 101, a workshop about the inner workings of relationships, Wednesday, it would seem that relationships are nothing but trouble.

Peer educators at Valencia’s Osceola campus excitedly spoke to the student filled auditorium about the different types of love and relationships.

“I feel that this was a topic that the student body here at Valencia was desperate to talk about,” said peer educator Juan Auffant. “I truly felt enriched teaching a whole group of students.”

Peer educator Jasmine Salas had the entire auditorium break in half - the boys sat on the left side of the room, the girls on the right. Couples were permitted to sit in the middle, but encouraged to give each other space.

“I really felt that the guys and girls re- ally fed off the others answers during our open discussions,” said Salas.

The students engaged in cross room conversation for well over an hour, discussing everything from first date pet peeves to tops qualities needed in a partner. And while the conversations maintained a light mood, moments of intense disagreement were abundant. Although the afternoon’s activities pro- vided a simple look into the mind of the opposite sex, for some, the message of the workshop meant much more.

After offering insight and creative solutions to many of the problems couples face in relationships, Cisneros reflected on the lessons that he had gathered from the class.

“I learned that you have to work together and just go for it if the other per- son is important to you,” he said. “I know she’s important enough, so I’m gonna do what it takes.”

This is the first time that the peer educators have led a workshop on the subject of relationships.

“I think if we can reach that one person whose struggling with a boyfriend or girlfriend, then it’s all worth it in the end,” said peer educator DelMarco Williams.