In January of 2020 we both enrolled in an entomology class at Vanderbilt University. Only one of us would describe themselves as a “bug person”- the other just needed an elective credit.

A few days into the class, after another long and not quite interesting lecture on insect phylogeny, Gillian accidentally left her phone on her desk, prompting Jake to run it out to her. This began a series of after class conversations, which eventually led to a study date, and then even to a date date :0

As we got to know each other, we found that we had many interests in common and could talk for hours. We spent a lot of time together over those few brief months, before Covid ended our school year in March. We went our separate ways and lost contact for a few months before reconnecting at the end of the summer. As Jake started veterinary school in Philadelphia and Gillian finished her senior year at Vanderbilt, we continued to text and call on a daily basis.

By that Autumn, we were officially dating and looked to spend any free time we had together. As the months went on and Gillian started medical school in Kalamazoo, MI, our long distance relationship continued to thrive. While being apart has been challenging, we have been able to support each other through our various life changes, to talk often, and to see each other through difficult times.

We both feel incredibly lucky to have found each other, and are grateful to Cornelius Vanderbilt as well as the field of entomology for bringing us together. We are also especially grateful for all of our family and friends who have supported us as we take this next step in our relationship together, and we look forward to celebrating with you all in December of 2024 <3

PS: see us back in the entomology classroom while visiting campus in Fall 2022 in the photo above!