Love or lust relationship seminar educates students on love

Panther United and Lions Club International hosted the Love over Lust relationship seminar Wednesday Feb. 12 in the New Science Building.
 The L.O.L. seminar was inspired by Panthers United parliamentarian Joseph White. "He thought of this event to help students get general relationship advice from their peers," said Panthers United president Kelli Washington.
The seminar included interactive discussion and debate over topics such as knowing the difference between love and lust, defining a healthy relationship, having standards, and much more.
Seven panelists were divided into two categories: old school versus new school. The old school panelists included the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences communications director LaRachelle Smith, Prairie View A&M head men's and women's tennis coach John Cochran, and psychology department interim head Derek Wilson. New school panelists consisted of Mr. PVAMU, Aaron Fowler; Miss PVAMU, Breanna Green; and two Lions Club representatives Rhaoni Johnson and Keith Hartaway.
 Cochran believed that having experience in relationships will help a person make better decisions in choosing a mate. "You gotta go through some dirt and mud to know what you want and to really know what you don't want," he said.
Wilson urged the students to recognize early on that if a person is unwilling to go the extra mile to make things work then it's lust. "If they're not willing to go in their pockets, change their schedule, or make do for you, then you gotta think about it," he said.
Green believed that it is good for a person to have standards, but to also be realistic about their expectations of the other person. "Be in a place in your life where you know what is okay and what is not okay to ask for," she said.
Smith also stressed that acceptance is the key to experiencing true love. "Acceptance starts from within," she said. "You have to be accepting of who you are and know who you are before you can really begin to show love outwardly toward others."
Sophomore communication major Britney Cook enjoyed listening to what the panel had to say about the relationship issues that were discussed. "I thought it was interesting to hear the different views and perspectives coming from both the students and staff members," said Cook.
Sophomore business management major Quinton Dean enjoyed the seminar overall. "I came out to support a few of my friends," he said. "Plus, they also mentioned refreshments and entertainment, which are my two favorite things."