Yes, it’s that time of year again. The blood drive is taking place at Seminole this year on three days thus far: October 30, January 25, and April 19.

Every year, the blood drive seems to be looked forward to by many. Freshmen and some sophomores are not eligible yet—it is a requirement that the donor must be sixteen years of age or older.

Those who are sixteen are required to have a permission slip signed by their parents; those who are seventeen or older do not need one.

“The minimum weight requirement is 102 pounds, and potential donors cannot have gotten tattoos or piercings within a year and no vaccines within six months before giving blood,” said senior Catherine Jolly. She’s a blood donor veteran—she’s only seventeen and she has given blood eight times already!

“They do a blood test on you before,” she informed. “If everything is okay, they take one pint of blood.” According to floridasbloodcenters.org, the average female has about nine pints of blood, and the average male has about twelve pints of blood.

Senior Sean Dovale has also given blood once before. “They want you to eat a high protein and carb breakfast with a sugary drink,” he said. Since the body is losing a significant amount of blood, tiredness is expected. Thus, it’s very important that a good meal is eaten before and after donating.

While Jolly said she never felt dizzy or nauseous, Dovale said he got light-headed. “When you’re donating, they tell you to keep your eyes open to make sure that you don’t fall asleep,” he added.

After donating, students go back to class if they feel fine. If they don’t, they’re kept until they do. “Knowing I was helping people got me through it. I would definitely do it again.” Dovale said.

“I would do it again too,” Jolly agreed. “You get to help people and get out of class at the same time.”

Sophomore Lauren Yang isn’t eligible to donate blood yet, but she said “I think the blood drive is a good thing, depending on the reason people are doing it.” When she’s sixteen, she said she might consider doing the blood drive.

The blood drive seems to be looked forward to by students—both eligible and ineligible. If you’re sixteen, sign up for the blood drive today and make a difference!

It’ll take place in the community room, but details are still being worked out. Further information on where and when students can sign up is to be announced.