Love in Focus:
A Fort Valley State Romance
DERRICK & VICTORIA BIRDSONG
They say the best moments in life happen when you least expect them. For Derrick and I, that moment happened one afternoon in the New Student Center at Fort Valley State University, where fate (and a miscommunication) brought us together.
Derrick, a talented photographer for the yearbook, had been assigned to capture the Greek sorority presidents in a special photoshoot. I arrived, eager to represent, only to find an almost empty room—except for one other person who had also missed the memo that the shoot was canceled. Him.
We exchanged confused glances, then laughter. Instead of walking away, we stayed, we talked, and something clicked. Something more powerful than the camera in his hands.
Our Time at Fort Valley
On paper, we couldn’t have been more different. I was deeply immersed in Agricultural Economics, learning about markets, sustainability, and agribusiness. Derrick was across campus, perfecting his craft in Mass Communications, always capturing the world through his lens.
Our paths weren’t meant to cross every day, yet somehow, they always did. No matter how hectic our schedules were, we found time for each other whether it was late-night talks sitting in front of the Commons, study breaks at the Student Center, or weekend trips to Macon for dinner and a movie.
Derrick saw the world through his camera, but I wanted him to see mine, too. I introduced him to the agricultural life, farm visits, livestock, and long talks about a world he had never experienced. He introduced me to the magic of storytelling through images, where a single frame could capture a lifetime of emotion.
Beyond Graduation
After graduation, Derrick turned his passion into a business, launching a photography and videography company that quickly became a cornerstone of Fort Valley. He captured graduation portraits for FVSU seniors and high schoolers in the surrounding areas, giving them keepsakes of their own defining moments.
Meanwhile, I pursued my master’s degree at the University of Georgia. I poured everything into my studies, defended my dissertation, and landed my first full-time job. Life was pulling us in different directions, but our love never wavered.
Soon, our biggest adventure began, we started our family. A new job opportunity took us to Indiana for a while, then from there, we lived in Virginia before making our way back to Georgia five years ago. Today, we have three beautiful children, two girls and a boy, who are growing up with the same love and laughter that brought us together all those years ago.
Wisdom for Today’s Students on Love, Relationships & Balancing School Life
To the students walking the same halls where we found love: Take your time. Life moves fast, but love isn’t about rushing, it’s about finding someone who makes even the ordinary moments extraordinary. Balance your dreams, your academics, and your heart. And most importantly, always double-check if the event is still happening. You never know who you might meet when it isn’t.
