9 AM public speaking class wasn’t something that sounded particularly exciting to either of us… but especially Michelle, who is particularly gifted at snoozing through consecutive alarms at full volume. But in January 2019, we found ourselves sitting next to each other in a stuffy, second-floor classroom in one of Virginia Tech’s oldest buildings, Randolph Hall. Our professor decided to use an online random group generator to put us into “speaking groups” so we could work on speeches and collaborate on projects for the entire semester. By chance and divine intervention, we were put into the same one. We became fast friends, and our shared chemistry was undeniable. It was the sort of serendipitous connection you see in movies: silly, sweet, and refreshingly easy. One day, we got lost in one of the classroom building’s trap stairwells which led to nowhere—just an empty corner. We laughed and laughed our way out, which is still our way of doing things. Our first few dates were simple: exploring Blacksburg together on foot, oftentimes walking 10 miles in one evening trying to glimpse the infamous Duck Pond otter (and we did!). We bonded over our many similarities: a love of exploring the outdoors, jamming to Taylor Swift, and trying out local restaurants. Our differences complemented each other as well. Andrew was the food science and technology major to Michelle’s English literature and communications. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while she grew up in northern Virginia. He’s a middle child between two brothers; she’s an only. We got to know each other in such a beautiful, honest way. On April 12, 2019, in the springtime dusk, Andrew asked Michelle to be his girlfriend. Obviously, since you’re reading this, she said yes. Our two years together at Virginia Tech (2019-2021, when we graduated) were special beyond belief. We cheered on the Hokies at many football and basketball games, hung out at Andrew’s older brother Will’s apartment, made wonderful new friends, and enjoyed lots of home-cooked dinners, courtesy of Andrew, the certified chef of our relationship. We took advantage of Blacksburg’s gorgeous four seasons as we lived just down the street from each other in the same apartment complex, right by the farm paths. We had cows for neighbors! In 2021, shortly before graduation, we welcomed Luigi—our sweet (and gigantic!) goldendoodle, affectionately known as Mr. Weej. He remains our entire world. We had to spend a lot of time long distance during holiday breaks, and even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was difficult to be apart from each other, oftentimes for months, we were able to make the most of it over daily FaceTime calls from Pittsburgh to Woodbridge. After graduation, Andrew moved to Delaware to work as a brewer for Dogfish Head, while Michelle stayed home in Virginia to work as a book publicist and continue her tenure as poet laureate of Prince William County. This February, Andrew moved back to Pittsburgh and started working as a medical laboratory scientist. Michelle is excited to relocate after the wedding although she will miss the DC area. Every couple says it, but we truly are each other’s best friends. It’s the most natural thing in the world to be in each other’s presence, whether we’re building Legos (a mutual obsession of ours), taking Luigi on road trips, and spending time with our families on vacations near and far. On April 14, 2023, shortly after our four-year anniversary, Andrew proposed to Michelle at Virginia Tech’s Duck Pond. It was the easiest yes of her life. We feel very fortunate to be able to grow up side-by-side. We can’t wait to begin this next chapter and are eternally thankful for your support and love!