18 First Dates

Creative minds are finding their own way to brew up love connections around Florida A&M. Palmetto North held a speed-dating event last night to help students along.

The entrance held eighteen red chairs with gold trim that were lined up across from each other awaiting the anticipating students. The smooth sounds of Chris Brown’s “No B.S.” played to set the mood.

Twenty-two-year-old nursing senior, and Palmetto North Resident Assistant Darnetta Diggs was ringleader of the event.

Diggs purpose for the event was not only to kindle relationships, but help students establish friendships.

“It’s not so much for them to start dating but to network,” Diggs said. “I want them to get to know people in their major and in their areas because you never know what that person can do for you in your future.”

Everyone was welcome to join the festivities. Diggs did not want to place too many restrictions on what she wanted to be a free environment for participants.

Darren Wade, 19, a first-year architecture student, dressed to impress and made sure he knew exactly what he wanted to say.

“There are some attractive young ladies in this building,” Wade said. “I’m having fun meeting new people.”

Diggs said she expected a small group of around 20 people, but was surprised when curious students streamed into the mixer.

By eight o’clock the conversations got deep, twitter names were exchanged, and friendships were made in true Rattler fashion.