Editor’s Note: Sources were given fake names to keep their identities and information anonymous. This story is a recurring relationship column, focusing on the lives of students.
UT alumnus “George” originally met his current wife, “Mary,” in high school. After dating senior year and finding out they were both attending the same university, they decided to continue their relationship. In a new place, George and Mary had to figure out how to navigate college and their relationship.
“The relationship was going well, so we decided to stay together,” George said. “Once at UT, it was a little different. They had a lot of kids coming from a lot of different areas. While we were dating, we were still finding friend groups and figuring out how to navigate everything. But, through it all, we had each other, and we were able to lean into each other and navigate everything that goes with being a freshman at UT.”
During their time in college, George joined the Texas Wranglers, and Mary joined the Texas Sweethearts, two spirit organizations on campus. Despite their different majors, George being in economics and Mary being in engineering, George said their involvement in these student orgs helped them spend inexplicit time together.
“Engineering (is) definitely a little bit more (of a) vigorous major,” George said. “From a school standpoint, she had a lot more on her plate … Friend group wise, we both went the spirit group route … (Wranglers) did a lot of stuff together with female organizations, Sweethearts being one of them. That helped with doing certain events and going to certain things that both groups were a part of.”
“Clarence,” counseling graduate student at St. Edward’s University, takes a class based on familial relationships where he identifies relationship and familial problems. Clarence said college can be a good place to meet a partner, whether that is for life or for a short-term relationship. For George, experiencing college together made their bond stronger and the two got engaged in 2018 and married in 2020.
“(College) is a good place to meet someone for a relationship, whether that be for the rest of your life or not, just because you’re surrounded by a bunch of people your age,” Clarence said. “When you graduate, you don’t have that (same) community around you. … (College) is an easier place (where) you can find like-minded people…”
In honor of Valentine’s Day, George reflected on his time at UT. George said being in classes made celebrating Valentine’s Day difficult as a student, but he found ways to spend time with his girlfriend at the time in the Austin area. He said despite the pressure of Valentine’s Day, he still makes it special for his wife.
“I tried to not make (Valentine’s Day) more than it really was (and) definitely (tried) to make it special and prioritize my wife or girlfriend at the time,” George said. “Holistically, (I) tried to carry that same sentiment, not only on Valentine’s Day, but just through our everyday lives. On any generic day, it makes it feel special.”
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