Connect How did your love story begin?

We met during a freshman art class in high school, and have been inseparable ever since. We’ve been keeping a journal of our adventures, big and small, along with so many special moments we’ve shared since the beginning (any Notebook fans out there will understand!) and it truly overflows with memories we’ve created together - so much so that we are now on to Volume 2.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

This is such a difficult question, but there is a moment that stands out to me. In 2020, just before COVID, I (Samantha) was brought to the hospital with double vision. After a couple of days in the hospital trying to determine the cause, with Jacob by my side every step of the way, I was told I had Multiple Sclerosis. I immediately looked to Jacob, he took my hands in his, and without hesitation told me “it’ll be okay, we can do this.” It was only a brief moment, but it meant the world to me.

What would you do with $20,000?

We have recently gotten married, bought a house, and have been spending the last couple of years learning to manage our finances independently. This $20,000 would go so far with getting ahead of (rather than just keeping up with) living and medical expenses, and would have enough left over to take a small couples retreat. We love to go on road trips and explore new places we’ve never seen, and would so love to make new journeys together from this prize.