How It All Began
Xiaowan’s Story According to Joshua
It’s hard for me to know where to start when talking about Xiaowan. When I stop and reflect, it always surprises me that there was a time when she wasn’t in my life. It feels like I’ve known her forever, and yet I didn’t know her for the first 19 years of my life. And for almost all of that, we were on opposite sides of the planet. So I guess a good place to start is what she was doing on her side of Earth during that time.
Xiaowan was born in Hefei, China, which is the city her mom was from. She then was raised by her parents, Lai Weixiong and Zi Wei, in the city of Guangzhou. Given that this city is home to over 15 million people while my own town’s population is around eight thousand, suffice it to say that she and I have slightly different backgrounds. But, once Xiaowan was set to enter high school, she made a transition that narrowed that gap a bit.
Of the countless schools Xiaowan could have attended for high school, Providence brought her to a tiny school in Charleston called Pinewood. It was there she met her “American family.” Mr Steve and Ms Heather were her new extra set of parents and she gained new siblings in Stephen, Emily, Lizzie, and Shelby. I’m sure a single child suddenly becoming the middle child of five was not an easy process, but its one I know Xiaowan wouldn’t trade for anything.
Then, Xiaowan made the decision to attend Clemson University for her college career, much to my benefit. That was where I first met her, and where I was first pulled in by her magnetic personality. Her cheerfulness was infectious, and the care she had for those around her showed with every conversation she had (and there were a lot of those). But along with that fun personality, I learned Xiaowan had a drive to do well at whatever she was doing, even when it was hard. Whether that was the schoolwork she faced as an electrical engineering student, or the physical challenges the martial arts club we were a part of presented her, or even the challenges of figuring out how to help run the family business from America when it was facing problems, Xiaowan didn’t back down and kept at it with an unflinching work ethic.
These qualities drew me to Xiaowan, and I can’t ever be thankful enough that I get to have her as my partner through life. She still has that fierce drive as we build our lives together, her kindness inspires me to keep trying to better myself, and her humor and wit keep me laughing through our work. I can’t wait to see what the years hold for us as we embark on our journey together.
Joshua’s Story According to Xiaowan
Years. Broken into months into weeks into days—into hours, minutes, seconds— settling into moments. It would be easy to make a story out of Josh’s life so far. Something with neat lines, cause and effect, before and after. Easy, but inaccurate. Since it’s not that simple, let’s start with the basics.
Josh was born and raised in Hartsville, South Carolina. The city’s claim to fame is the world’s busiest Sonic and some schools… and that’s about it. He is the son of Eddie and Lisa Gates and the brother of Jacob, Megan, Abby and Adam.
When I first met Joshua, his smile stopped me in my tracks. His gentle personality radiates from that smile. Once I got to know him, I learned that:
He loves stories in many forms, especially books and video games.
He orders Chicken Alfredo at any Italian restaurant.
His favorite childhood movie is Mulan. (Coincidence?)
At Clemson, we met over Cuong Nhu martial arts. We spent many Friday nights at Taco Bell and bonded over coding projects. By the time we graduated, our careers started to overlap and we became business partners. To see his ability to create and support others reminds me everyday why I love him so much.
I knew Josh was the one when he agreed to cook my family and friends Thanksgiving dinner at a New Orleans Airbnb (that is also the first time he met my mom). I knew Josh was the one when we go through crazy long trips (and crazy long layovers) with laughter and smiles. I especially knew when he asked me to marry him in perfect Chinese.
Most importantly, Josh supports all my wildest dreams and really make me believe that with each other we can accomplish absolutely anything. Also, he didn’t leave me after I dared him to eat a bug… that’s real love.
And the Rest Is History
Well, up until now, anyway. We’re thrilled to be able to work together on so many things we’re passionate about, however. If you’re interested in seeing what those are, please click here!
