uc_match: A Touching Story

It’s no secret that this school year has been plagued by disenchantment; COVID-19, severe weather (albeit with perks), spottier-than-a-Dalmation Wi-Fi. Yet, in the midst of all this gloom, there’s been a ray of light, bringing hope and love to our little corner.

UC_Match first came into the scene on Aug. 30, 2020 with a mission: matchmaking. I’ll be the first to admit that I was very skeptical of the results such an account could produce. Now, six months and several couples later, I think it’s time to give credit where credit’s due.

The following is a Q&A with the masterminds behind UC_Match.

What led to the birth of UC_Match?

One boring Saturday night, we started uMatch because we wanted to bring love to Union and give that extra push people need during these dark covid times (also ‘cause we’re very observant and killing the game).

[Sammy’s note: it’s up to the reader to decide if a success rate of 8% is indeed “killing the game.”]

What’s your thought process in making matches?

We match based on what we know of personality, interests, recommendations … and if they look cute together lol. 

Your last post was Dec. 2. Should the public expect a return, or go back to creating mental scenarios? 

WE WILL RETURN. We’ve just been busy busy, as all students can understand.

The Love Story

Nathan and Jael were matched on Sep. 25. They became official on Jan. 24.

Nathan: When I first saw that I was on UC_Match, I was not thrilled because I don’t like meeting new people. I decided that I would avoid this person at all costs.

Jael: When I saw that I had been matched, I was excited at first, but it quickly turned to panic. “He’s a sophomore while I’m a senior. Do I make eye contact with him or pretend I didn’t see the post? What do I do if he comes to talk to me?” I decided that if that happened, I would stay open. 

Nathan: After months of avoiding her and A LOT of “encouragement” from my friends (to the point of them almost throwing me at her), I worked up enough courage to talk to Jael. It was the most awkward and embarrassing thing that I’ve ever done, but I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone. 

Jael: About two months after being matched, I was sitting at work when Nathan finally decided it was time to come talk to me. He apologized for taking so long to connect while I, on the other hand, had just put a cracker in my mouth and couldn’t say more than two words. Thankfully, that wasn’t the last time we talked!

Nathan: It feels like society has warped our view of relationships. You’re made to believe that you can only be, or will be, happy in a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, your partner can’t always be there to make you happy. That’s why it’s important to learn to be happy alone before you can be happy with someone else. Focus on school, friends and expanding your horizons; life is more than a relationship. 

Jael: My advice to someone who is single is to learn to be happy in your singleness. Work on yourself where you’re at so you can be ready to work on a relationship with someone else. More importantly, pray! Rather than telling God what you want, ask Him what He wants for you.

Sammy Ortiz is a junior

nursing major from

Orlando, Fla.