Many LSI students form deep and lasting friendships with fellow students, often travelling the world to visit each other once their studies are over. We’ve also had several LSI marriages over the years. We love to hear these stories, and none has put a bigger, collective smile on our face than the recent marriage of Maryam and Jonathan.
Our story begins with Jonathan Serna Solórzano. Jonathan arrived at LSI Auckland in January 2016. His aim was to improve his English for his job as an engineer in Colombia. Immediately he impressed his teachers with conscientious approach to his studies. In March, Maryam Widmann joined the school. Back in her native Germany she worked in healthcare and was enrolled at LSI Auckland to take the CAE exam. Maryam and Jonathan found themselves in the same advanced class and over 4 months their love blossomed. Love did not distract Maryam from her studies though and she achieved an excellent result in her exams.
Brad Roberts, the academic director in Auckland, remembers the couple with affection.”From my point of view, you couldn’t meet two lovelier students. Both were conscientious, hard-working language learners, and they brought a certain joie de vivre to their lessons and the school. It makes sense that they should end up together, both good, decent folk with wonderful senses of humour. Their teachers fill with pride when we think of them finding love at our school, although the occasional snog in the five-minute breaks was sometimes a bit odd to witness. Oh, to be young and in love! We wish Maryam and Jonathan all the best for their bright future.”
The happy couple have since tied the knot in Germany in front of family and friends, including fellow LSI students. Everyone at LSI Auckland wish Jonathan and Maryam a happy life together!