A freshman’s first night out at Penn State is usually filled with several things: loud music, poorly mixed drinks, and bad decisions. However, for freshmen Melissa Ferdock and Donta Gadson, this wasn’t the case.

Ferdock and Gadson met where relationships usually go to die — a frat house. On their first night out in college they found each other on the dance floor. They danced briefly and then exchanged numbers before going their separate ways.

A few nights later, they were reunited at another frat for a social. During your first week of school you meet so many people that names and faces blend together. This is one excuse why Gadson and Ferdock didn’t remember meeting each other prior to exchanging numbers for the second time. It was then the pair realized they had met before several nights before.

After that night, they saw each other everywhere. Friends frequently asked how they met, but they chalked it up to fate. After running into each other at parties for months, Ferdock decided to ask Gadson to hang out outside of the party scene.

They were tentative about their relationship at first. As freshmen in college, they both agreed to keep their options open and to hold off on being exclusive. As they spent more time together their connection became undeniable and it was clear that no other person would suffice.

In November of their freshman year Gadson asked Ferdock to be his girlfriend in a way that is all too typical of our generation. He changed his Facebook status from “single” to “in a relationship with Melissa” before he asked her officially. Although it wasn’t the most romantic gesture, Ferdock believes it was the thought that counts.

Ever since that day they have considered each other their “better half.” Together they explored all Penn State has to offer. They took a snowboarding class at Tussey Mountain, worked at the Hub Information Desk, visited Puerto Rico, Washington DC, Florida, and Georgia.

Ferdock graduated in May 2015 and Gadson graduated in December later that year. Between graduations the couple celebrated their fourth anniversary in November. They plan to move in together sometime within the next year.

Although it wasn’t love at first sight, Ferdock and Gadson feel that it was fate that brought them together. For that reason Happy Valley will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Can’t get enough love? Read our last love story here. And if you want your Penn State love story featured, send me an email.