First comes love, then comes ... wait!

In the eyes of the current generation, divorces are as common as marriages — and to us, that's normal.

"Divorce happens, and that's OK. That person just wasn't the one for you," said Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts freshman Gabby Rupley.

With a large segment of young people being raised around divorce, many students have adopted a view akin to Gabby's — that divorce isn't necessarily a "bad" thing; rather, it's the result of one's life choices.

Yet, being our parents' children, we have to wonder whether or not we will end up following their example.

"My parents divorced, so I know somewhat how that feels, and if it's taught me anything, it's that you shouldn't rush — give yourself the chance to really get know them, because once you're married, it's a big responsibility. You've committed yourself to that person, and your love has to be there at all times," said junior Isaac Johnson.

Patience is a quality hard to find in an era when instant gratification is coveted in nearly every aspect of life. However, many students — particularly those raised by separated families — feel that patience is key to successful relationships.

"I think people should take more time to get to know each other before they get married, and already feel married before they are, because a piece of paper is not going to change how you feel about somebody. I think that the person you marry should be one of your best friends, somebody you can confide in. I think that waiting for marriage will make for a lower divorce rate," said senior Alexis Butcher.

Sarah Hoag, a sophomore, took the idea a step further, bringing into question the whole idea of marriage. "Why need a piece of paper to prove you're together? It seems pointless. Just be with them," she said.

Though we are still young in high school, with marriage off in the future, the sentiments of love flood our teenage minds in the Valentine's Day season. Hearts and roses everywhere we look, we fall into the age-old cycle of crushes, dates and heartbreaks.

We all know high school doesn't last forever, so we ask ourselves, often in the quiet of our own mind — when it's all over, are we still going to be swept away by that same smile two desks down?

"I believe that high school relationships can work, but they must stand the trials of time. They might be able to last, but I think there should be a short time period where they see other people to find out if they are truly right for each other. If it's meant to be, it'll happen, but if you only date one person your whole life, who's to say that you're completely sure?" said senior Brittany Garcia.

Whether you are meeting at the pizza place downtown or at the altar dressed in white, no one can say how your story will turn out. But take your time because although things don't always last, memories stick around.

Kylee Schesser is a senior at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.