During the first year of his doctoral education, Ángel Cabrera was enrolled in a 6-hour statistics class. Despite tricky curriculum based around quantitative research methods and data analysis, statistics wasn’t the only thing on Ángel’s mind. Sitting in the same room as him was Beth Fraser.

Ángel found Beth fascinating. With her family, she had traveled to Europe, Russia, and Australia. In a challenging class, she stood out to him as the smartest. And naturally, he thought she was beautiful.

Turns out, Beth was also intrigued by Ángel. She liked his accent, and thought he was cute. When he asked her to see the Spanish Symphony at the Ferst Center, she saw a chance for a unique experience — a Spanish Symphony with a Spaniard!

But their first date ended up being more than just an interesting cultural experience, and during the third year of their doctoral education, Beth and Ángel married.

After graduation, they moved to Spain to launch their careers. There, they also began to raise two children, Alex and Emilia. When a job opportunity presented itself, they returned to the United States. And as new opportunities arose, they moved and adapted. They’ve lived in Atlanta, Madrid, Arizona, and Virginia; they’ve seen their children grow up and go to college; they’ve tried, failed, and celebrated success — and they’ve done it all together.

So this Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a partner, or maybe just someone to go to a concert with, get to know someone new in class or on campus. If you’re anything like Ángel or Beth, you may just find a new friend, or the love of your life.

Read more about President Ángel Cabrera and first lady Dr. Beth Cabrera in Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine.

By Grace Pietkiewicz, First-Year Student, School of Literature, Media, and Communication