I will admit that when I originally heard about the Speed-Dating event on campus, I laughed.

Isn’t college in itself a speed-dating opportunity?

We are all a part of the ebb and flow of classes, events and activities filled with plenty of chances to meet and talk with people.

But, in all fairness, when I stopped to consider just how little time students are able to dedicate toward their personal relationships, it made sense.

As upperclassmen, we typically take classes with a lot of the same people who share our major or a similar one.

If the maxim “opposites attract” holds true, how many characteristics of someone with similar goals and interests will be the “opposite” of ours?

What about the serial daters who have already expended their dating opportunities among classmates?

Other relationships are potentially at risk because of our busy schedules. I’m guilty of having to set aside lunch dates with friends because of an impending test, and “Girls Night Out” is beginning to sound more like a movie title than a way to describe weekend plans.

College is probably one of the most important networking opportunities we have.

We never know which of our classmates will one day be a co-worker, boss or perhaps a spouse. Designating time to get to know those around us isn’t always easy.

However, I am beginning to realize how essential it is not only to our futures but also to our sanity.

Good companionship is a great remedy for stress. So the next time stress sets in, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to set aside that daunting study guide in order to chat up someone new.

Don’t harbor the same scoffing attitude that I did towards an opportunity to meet someone who could potentially play an important role in your life.

Besides, who knows what valuable advice, insight or just a simple distraction someone might be able to offer in order to help us through life’s challenges.