Neil and Reysha: A Love Story

It all started at UCSD, where Neil and Reysha met through a mutual friend (shout out Jessica Lam) at a party. 

Reysha was clearly obsessed with me (Neil) from the start—she showed her affection by doodling on my arm and boldly suggesting we share an intimate burrito. Naturally, this sparked a connection, and soon enough, we were arranging our first date. There was just one tiny obstacle: I didn’t have a car, and, as luck would have it, we were scheduled to meet on one of those rare rainy days in San Diego. Determined to make it memorable, I took her on a long walk to Gliderport, a scenic viewpoint. What could’ve been romantic turned into a soaking wet disaster—I ruined the white shoes I borrowed (sorry CJ) and we got drenched. We ended up spending most of the time just walking and talking in the rain. Somehow, despite my questionable planning skills, Reysha agreed to a second date.

Our story continues with me, Reysha, reluctantly agreeing to a second date after enduring a first date that was more than just a bit soggy. Despite my cold feet—literally and figuratively—something inside was urging me to give Neil another chance. For our second date, he whipped up some pad Thai from scratch at his apartment (a culinary feat not repeated since, I might add). And for anyone who knows me well, Thai food is the key to my heart. Yet, I remained on the fence; after all, did it really make sense to date someone who was about to start medical school across the country? As Neil dropped me off at my apartment, I leaped out of the car, torn about my decision to continue the relationship. At that moment, I thought I had made up my mind. But then, something unexpected happened—I found myself missing him almost immediately. So, I kept texting, and we haven't stopped since.

Despite the challenges of long distance—Neil in New York City for med school and Reysha on the West Coast—we made it work. Countless flights, cross-country trips, and unforgettable memories later, here we are, about to begin the next chapter together.