Jesse Briscoe and Dongyuan "Cathy" Chen met on July 6, 2024, each assisting a large group of international students from Pitt State at Crystal Bridges and Tanyard Creek in Northwest Arkansas. Their first conversation took place while standing in line next to each other to order lunch at Crystal Bridges.

Upon arriving at Tanyard Creek to go hiking, Cathy and Jesse chose to walk together towards the back of the line of international students. At the end of the walk, Jesse offered to pay for ice cream at the nearby ice cream truck. Jesse still remembers the calming, peaceful presence from Cathy when they met.

The next day, Cathy asked for help with her car issue, and Jesse quickly responded. The two went to O'Reilly's to get a new car battery and enjoyed ice cream (again) at Braum's afterwards (paid by Cathy).

Soon after meeting, Jesse began attending First United Methodist Church, which is where Cathy had been singing in the choir for several months under the leadership of Dr. Marchant, Cathy's music professor and mentor. Together, Cathy and Jesse became active participants at FUMC welcoming international students, attending book studies, and, for Cathy, performing vocally and occasionally on the organ and piano.

Over the next year, Jesse introduced Cathy to some of his favorite hobbies, including weekly trivia with friends, hiking, and attending sporting events. Meanwhile, Cathy introduced Jesse to home gatherings with her music friends, the experience of authentic Chinese meals, including using chopsticks, shopping at Asian and farmer's markets, and celebrating Chinese holidays.

Together, Jesse and Cathy have been to numerous concerts, events, and performances on the Pitt State campus. They have made multiple road trips to Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Northwest Arkansas, Tulsa, Jesse's hometown in Moberly, Louisville to visit Sandy (one of Cathy's former English instructors), and even a spontaneous trip to Fort Worth, to attend the Van Cliburn Piano Competition, which is among the most renowned international piano competitions.

Jesse proposed to Cathy in her apartment on July 4, 2025, a day that was meaningful to both from an inside joke. Jesse and Cathy are excited to share their life with all of you!

杰西和冬媛，于2024年夏天在一次匹兹堡州立大学国际学生的出游活动中相识。一个来自密苏里，一个来自广州，两人在阿肯色州的徒步旅行和冰淇淋中展开了他们的缘分。后来，他们一起参与各种活动，分享生活中的点点滴滴，从中餐到运动，从音乐到旅行，彼此陪伴、慢慢靠近。2025年7月4日，杰西在冬媛的公寓向她求婚。现在，他们即将开启新的人生旅程，并满心喜悦地和大家分享这个特别的时刻。