On Nov. 6, the Center for Health and Wellness allowed students to reflect on their relationships by building a bouquet of flowers in the Student Union.
All students and faculty who participated in Let Love Bloom learned positive qualities in a relationship and got to take home their bouquet, either for themselves or to give to a person who they care about.
While flowers vary in shape and size, they all share one core meaning: love. Their bright petals evoke feelings of joy and positivity while symbolizing a loving relationship. CHEW emphasizes that, like flowers, relationships need care to blossom.
Sara Martin — a sophomore studying global health biology — spoke on some of the meanings behind the flowers and the qualities they symbolize.
“Each flower at the event represents a different aspect of a healthy relationship like honesty and accountability,” Martin said. “There were details on each sign about what that could look like in a relationship.”
Honesty and accountability are not always present in every relationship — navigating those elements can be challenging. While Domestic Violence Awareness Month is over, the importance of understanding and fostering these key aspects of a healthy relationship remains vital year-round.
CHEW cooperates with the Office of Title IX that promotes the prevention of relationship and sexual violence. Kayley Davis McMahan is the relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator in CHEW. She is responsible for directing a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention program aimed at UT undergraduates.
Kelly Nguyen — a junior studying biochem and has a minor in public health — spoke on why McMahan is crucial to this program.
“She is very knowledgeable, and she loves spreading the knowledge of healthy relationships to everyone on campus,” Nguyen said.
Through events like Let Love Bloom, students not only gain insight into the values of respect in relationships but also contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“It is a really cool way to get involved in campus and meet so many different people,” Martin said. “I also feel like I am making a little bit of a difference.”
Martin has developed a deep understanding of healthy relationships through her partnership with her significant other who she has known since the fifth grade and started dating in high school.
A relationship with someone known for many years can be both complex and rewarding, as both individuals undergo continuous personal growth. Martin spoke about her experience with her high school sweetheart.
“It has been interesting coming to college and facing a lot of new challenges like stress, being on campus and all the things that come with, but we still uphold those pillars of a healthy relationship,” Martin said. “Obviously, it is not perfect but making sure the highlights are there and holding each other accountable when it gets hard.”
Similar to Martin’s personal romantic relationship, Nguyen is currently in a long term, committed relationship of about 2 years. Nguyen shared her insights on maintaining a long-lasting relationship.
“A very big component is communication and voicing what you want,” Nguyen said.
A significant number of college students are currently in, or have been through, toxic relationships that have affected their mental or physical well-being. Nguyen spoke on her advice to those experiencing dysfunctional relationships.
“I would reach out to people you trust and who you can lean on,” Nguyen said. “Having a village behind you is very important.”
