On 12/13/2014, my older sister Josie was hosting a Christmas party at the Swift house in Rockford, IL. Guests started filing in one by one to the Christmas party until the VERY handsome Sam Schrader comes through the front door. I happened to catch him walking inside and immediately grabbed Josie to ask, "WHO is THAT?". Josie explained he was an acquaintance from Rock Valley College, the local community college where they both attended, where I planned to start next semester. Over the course of the evening I wanted to meet Sam but was trying to play it cool (little did I know that he was doing the same at the time). Eventually we broke into a conversation and hit it off talking about ~big shocker~ history and politics of the Middle East (insert Sykes-Picot Agreement mention here). Sam didn't know at the time that I was a big history nerd (so I was geeking at this point) and was absolutely enamored with the thoughtfulness and depth that a 21 year old guy could have after our conversations. Sam ended up being the very last guest to leave the house that evening after and Sam and I spent several hours talking. It was an unforgettable evening that ended in a magical feeling and connection that can really only be explained as love at first sight. This was particularly mind-blowing because I had always had a weird gut feeling that when I would meet my person, I would find that love at first sight. I was so nervous that Sam wasn't into me after the party, but a day or so later and Sam got my number and we were soon inseparable. We found out very early on that our personal values and life goals were aligned so well that it truly couldn't have been anything other than fate. We've spent the last 7 years of our lives working really hard to achieve the life we wanted together and feel beyond grateful and lucky that we were able to support each other's goals and dreams along the way. Thank you to everyone for the love and support over the years! -Jane & Sam