By: Karina Jimenez
Finding “The One” college students will marry and spend the rest of their lives with can be equally as stressful as not knowing what to major in. Christian universities have created a “ring by spring” culture over the years — getting engaged in the spring of their senior year, that has put pressure on students to get engaged quicker because they fear of missing out (FOMO).
Every Christian university responds differently to the “ring by spring” culture. California Baptist University is a Christian school that provides housing for married couples to live on campus in the newly renovated residential area called Lancer Arms, with the condition that husband and wife enrolled as students. Many other Christian Universities are aware of this culture and offer workshops for prospective students on how to find their future husband or wife.
Students enter their college careers seeing marriage as an important life goal and will hopefully be fulfilled at the end of their college careers. “Ring by spring” comes with social pressure along with the pressure of pursing a college degree at the same time.
“The first time I heard ‘ring by spring’ I thought it was an inside joke that students had made up but quickly learned that some students actually care about being engaged or even married by their senior year!” says Elizabeth Ajtun, a senior at California Baptist University.
CBU hosts every year “Woo Fest” where male students to showcase their talents to purposely “Woo” the women of CBU. The ladies put on their best dress and heels to sit in the Fox Theater auditorium for the night waiting to be “Woo” as the guys prepare their best talents in their best suits and ties to be able to win over the ladies.
“I attended my first Woo Fest this year and was surprised to be given a rose upon arrival and escorted to my seat, it was an unforgettable night” says sophomore Sandy Huerta.
And then there is “TWIRP,” The Women Is Required to Pay, a week hosted by CBU for women to spoil the gentlemen of CBU. CBU appears to aware of the Christian culture trend.
Should CBU students attend one of these events in order to meet their future spouse. Or should they choose to use a dating app and stay in the comfort of their dorm room to potentially find “The One?” It is unknown if these events purposely take place around the time of Valentines Day.
Marriage is a huge commitment that shouldn’t be influenced by a trend or a religious institution. Many, times young adults feel the pressure of getting married for the wrong reasons that unfortunately result in divorce. Although there is the other on track college seniors that are determined to get a well pay job and be able to build a life for themselves to be successful while marriage just isn’t part of their plans, just yet.
College Lifestyle 