There was an immediate chemistry between us, as we talked on our first date at the P.O.V. on a sunny Friday afternoon in May of 2016. Although we had some great memories that summer, "V-1" as we call it ended sadly a few months later. However, it just meant that we were not fully prepared for the challenges that come in life and love. As fate would have it, we were given a second chance in "V-2", which began on Jim’s birthday weekend in February of 2018. Since that moment, we committed our hearts and souls into making sure that this time around would count for good. In our time back together, we traveled to multiple places, moved in together, and faced the challenges of living with each other, while striving to make each other the best versions of ourselves we could be. On November 23, 2018, we got engaged and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us, surrounded by the incredible friends and family that we are blessed to have in our collective life.

I previously booked a cozy weekend at Penn State the weekend following Thanksgiving, because I wanted to show Andrea a place where I spent 5 years of my life, and which place she had heard so many great things about from her own family. With some help from my friends Sara and Katya, I was able to find the perfect ring. Andrea expressed excitement at the upcoming Penn State trip, so I decided I would propose there. We arrived at Penn State on a sunny Friday and checked in at the Nittany Lion Inn, and then went for a walk to "see the campus". While Andrea remarked about how big and fancy the buildings were compared to her university in Colombia, I was nervous with anxiety looking for the perfect moment. At one point, I didn't let Andrea switch to the "lady's side" (away from the street) because I didn't want her to notice the the ring holder bulging out of my coat pocket. We crossed the pedestrian tunnel under Pattee Library, and came out in front of the steps. Andrea remarked how pretty it was, and I decided to first give her a greeting card "for our anniversary" which I had prepared. However, I noted in the card that "my math isn't broken, and this isn't an anniversary card" followed by these lyrics to a Carlos Vives song (as a romantic suggestion by Katya!): "Y quiero casarme contigo Quedarme a tu lado, ser el bendecido por tu amor Por eso yo quiero dejar mi pasado Que vengas conmigo, morirme en tus brazos, dulce amor Por eso yo quiero" Andrea was confused, but said she loved it, and asked for a kiss. I was suddenly more nervous, because I saw a family approaching nearby, and didn't want them to interfere with our moment! So I pulled Andrea by the wrist a few feet aside, and then took out the ring, got on my knee, and asked her to marry me. Andrea was shocked, but she said yes (I think? I don't remember! I was so nervous!). -Jim