I had one simple rule throughout pharmacy school: don’t get involved with anyone in pharmacy. Smart, right? Save myself the potential drama, the gossip, the jealousy – not to mention what happens if it doesn’t work out? Best to avoid those possibilities. I proudly had a flawless three-year streak going-

Then came Brittney.

School had gone virtual due to the pandemic, so we were all locked away in our homes connected only by computer screens. I still remember running an APhA (American Pharmacists Association) meeting while I served as President, welcoming in the new Class of ’24 students and all our returning members (as best as one can over a Zoom call!) when I first saw her. After the meeting ended, I remember talking to my best friend Trey and telling him “that ‘Gilly-boo’ girl is pretty damn cute”! From that day on, I was hooked.

Brittney eventually joined APhA’s executive team as P1-Liaison, meaning I got to spend more time hanging out and talking with her (score!). Classes, meetings, and projects came and went with the year, but every shared Zoom call we had together I made sure to send a totally innocent, polite, friendly ‘hello’ or friendly message Brittney’s way.

Well… she saw through those attempts to flirt immediately and loves to give me grief for it now!

One evening the following summer, I went to meet up with some pharmacy friends for dinner and drinks. To my surprise, Brittney came waltzing in (an hour late!) and sat across from me at the table, and I had to try to contain my excitement to see her. We ended up talking and laughing for another hour or so, and not wanting the night to end, eventually making our way across the metroplex to Dallas to continue the evening of fun. We enjoyed the music, conversation with friends, the drinks, and the dancing. We sealed the evening with our first kiss. The next day I was asking her out to dinner, and the rest, as they say, is history.

So, here’s to Brittney and our life together – thanks for being the best rule I’ve ever broken.