Jacob's Version: If you ask our friends or family how we met, you might get a few different stories. The truth is that we met through two different paths simultaneously. In our freshman year of college, we were in the same chemistry class and lab. I had seen the cute blonde girl around, but I hadn't introduced myself (or spoken to her even). One weekend in February, my cousin Jay came down to visit and was staying in my dorm, and asked if I wanted to go to a family friend's apartment party. So we show up at Chloe’s place, and before too long, that cute blonde girl walks through the door. I don't know what I said to convince her to go on a date with me, but it must have been good. We went on a couple of dates before spring break, then got sent home for the summer due to COVID. Thankfully, I asked her to be my lab partner for our Chem lab Final project (Easiest “A” of my life), and an excuse to keep in touch. That summer, I made a trip down to Ames for Chloe’s birthday, and Natalie drove up to Okoboji for a couple of days ( I still don’t know how our parents let that happen, but it sure worked out). We officially started dating right after we returned to Ames in the fall, and the rest is history. Natalie's Version: I first noticed Jacob during my freshman year at ISU—we were in the same chemistry class, and I sat behind him and his friends in the lecture hall. We often rode the bus back to MWL at the same time, and I affectionately nicknamed him “Chemistry boy.” I’d tell my roommate, Marissa, all about these cute encounters, even though we’d never actually spoken. In the second semester, we ended up in the same chemistry lab, which only cemented the nickname. Still, we didn’t officially meet until one Friday night at Chloe’s apartment. I was there to borrow a cuter outfit when I was surprised to find “Chemistry boy” standing in the kitchen. It turns out that our family friend Jay was visiting and had brought his cousin, Jacob. I’m pretty sure I just said hi and bee-lined to Chloe’s room for a mini freak-out. After that night, we started noticing each other more—whether in class or at Phi Delt basement parties. Eventually, we started Snapchatting, and Jacob asked me to his spring bus party, which was “dynamic duo” themed. We dressed as Daphne and Fred from Scooby-Doo (my idea, I’m sure). Our first date was a movie night at his and Charlie’s dorm room just before spring break—right before the COVID pandemic shut everything down. During lockdown, we stayed connected through texting, FaceTime, and virtual chem labs. That summer, Chloe invited Jacob to Ames for her 21st birthday. He came—and the next day, the three of us went to Adventureland, a true sign he could handle McAninch girl shenanigans. A few weeks later, I visited Jacob in Okoboji. I can only imagine the conversation he had with his parents about letting a girl from Des Moines stay over. When we both returned to Ames sophomore year, Jacob finally asked me to be his girlfriend. And it’s been history ever since. Over the last five years, we’ve made countless memories, built strong friendships, supported each other’s careers, and grown into young adults together. I wouldn’t change a thing about our story—and I can’t wait to build a life and a happy marriage with my Chemistry boy!!