I vaguely remember him being in SGA during my Junior year of undergrad. BUT THEN, he must have snuck his way onto CAB - maybe so I would recognize him...I guess it worked. Not at first though, at least, not until he got a haircut. CAB had met for a few meetings in late August and early September, but there was an event that we held on September 14, 2022. On this particular day, Jared had gotten this said haircut and it just so happened that I realized he was cute and decided to flirt with him. Not that it took much effort on my part. All I had to do was take his hat. The day moved on and I was later asked if I needed help with my homework. Of course I said yes! Who wouldn't want someone to have free homework help? Anyways, that would be the first time he became someone I could count on, someone who would become my best friend - not just for homework, but through everything.

It really was love at first sight. I first noticed this incredibly cute girl in SGA during the height of COVID—when all I could see were her eyes. But even behind a mask, something about her stood out. I started asking around, and everyone said the same thing: she was kind, warm, and genuinely one of the nicest people they knew. I quietly kept an eye on her over the years, hoping one day I’d get the chance to actually talk to her. Then, two years later, fate stepped in—we both ended up on the Campus Activities Board. We finally started talking, and after some persistent convincing on my part, she agreed to go out with me. But here’s the funny part: while I had been captivated by her for three years, Gracie had no clue who I was until we started dating. Now, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing because everything has led us to this moment now.