From Shangida: Living in Grenada meant weathering the storms literally and figuratively. Most of our time was spent navigating the hell that was medical school in the tropics. I met Jenil at an island eatery after our first midterm. And we continued to see each other after every major exam, celebrating with our friends. While the majority of the conversation with our friends was spent going over answers, ranting about the courses and the island, Jenil and I talked about anything but that. TV shows and movies primarily dominated our conversation, haha. When we finally left the island, I realized how much I missed him. He made me feel safe and heard. He was patient with me despite my hotheadedness. I knew I could not let him go despite the long distance and school. The rest is history - I can't wait to see what awaits us next! From Jenil: I met Shangida after our first set of exams at our medical school. She spoke fondly of her favorite shows, and I spoke about my favorite movies. And after every set of exams thereafter, in those small conversations, I came to know her likes and dislikes and really noted how we found connection despite the overwhelming weight of responsibility that school had over our heads. Admittedly, it took me nearly a year and a half to ask her to lunch, but soon after it all just clicked in my head. I found her to be so full of life and passion, and with a tenacity that I just could not ignore. I found any excuse to meet with her. I would bring her ice-cream from our local food park. I would claim to be a better cook than I actually was. For some reason, she stuck around. It is no small understatement that our first years were often spent apart due to the needs of school, but it really could not keep us apart for long. And really, with a little bit of effort and time, and a little detour through Nevada, we ended up together in California.