A Barry Love Story

By Litzy Grijalba

College relationships often are seen as temporary flings, but for Jedidiah Johnson and Julissa Brown Johnson, both 2023 Barry University graduates, it was different. Love found them most unexpectedly: on the sidelines of a Barry flag football game.

“When I saw her, I thought, okay, this is a very pretty girl,” Jedidiah recalled. He even called on a friend to help him “make the first move.”

Julissa remembers it differently — “My first time seeing him was at the flag football game. I started cheering because I didn’t know anyone else playing, and my friends were all cheering for this guy named Jed. When he heard me screaming his name, he looked directly at me — almost like a death stare. That was my first impression!”

Despite the start, their connection blossomed. Jedidiah would walk Julissa to her classes, carving out time together.

From Freshmen To Forever: Jedidiah Johnson and Julissa Brown Johnson pose during their freshman year at Barry University in 2019 (left) and on their wedding day, May 10, 2025 (right). Photos courtesy of Jedidiah Johnson and Precious Pics.

They have countless campus memories that shaped their story. Julissa fondly recalls a big pool party, their first moment being publicly seen together: “It felt great to be out as a couple. We would take walks by the pool, get caught in the sprinklers, it was adorable.”

They also treasure quiet talks in the Weber Lounge and under the red pavilion near the laundry mat, where they first really got to know each other. Jedidiah cherished the everyday moments: “exploring Miami, attending events, shopping, it was always better because we were together.”

Barry’s intimate campus continued building their connection.

“You basically know everybody,” Jedidiah said. “That closeness lets us see each other often.” Julissa added, “The events got me out of my dorm. Without my friends, I would not have met Jed as early.”

Their bond grew quickly, but a defining moment came in a friend’s dorm.

Julissa recalled, “Jed came in, shook my hand three times, paid attention to detail, and completely changed the tone of the room. Even after he left, I was longing for him to come back. That’s when I knew he was different.”

Jedidiah said he was hooked from their first conversation and determined to see where things could go.

Their relationship also inspired personal growth.

“Being with her pushed me to take life seriously, including academics. After my first two semesters, I ended with mostly A’s,” Jedidiah said.

Julissa said Jedidiah broadened her perspective, helping her think logically and grow as a person.

Describing their relationship in three words, Jedidiah and Julissa used fun, laughter, and growth. Those values, they say, have shaped their journey from the very beginning. When it comes to advice for students who doubt the seriousness of college relationships, Jedidiah points to mindset and intention.

“If you know you’ve found the person, devote time and effort,” he said. “It’s really about what you want and what you’re willing to put into it.”

Julissa echoed that sentiment, emphasizing awareness and choice.

“Be intentional with who you surround yourself with,” she said. “College is where you start building your future, and the people you choose to walk with matter. If both people are willing to try, it will work.”

From chance encounters on the sidelines to campus talks, Jedidiah and Julissa’s story proves that college can be a place for genuine, lasting love. A reminder that meaningful connections can flourish anywhere.