Emily and Michael eloped and are moving to Europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael and Emily: Surprise! If you are receiving this message, it means that you are a close friend or family member of ours. By the time you read this, we may already have made it to our cabin in North Georgia where we will be sharing our honeymoon. But we would like to thank you all for the love and support you have given us over the years.

Now a Letter About Why We Are Moving (No, it’s not because of the election! Why is everyone asking us that?)

Michael: We are also moving to Germany on January 18th so I can begin a new job at SpiNNCloud in Dresden, Germany! This is a job opportunity which came suddenly, but one which I am not taking lightly. I will miss all my friends and family who I value deeply, and hope that I can see as many of you as I can before my departure. Emily and I will try to choose an apartment with a guest room as well so that any of you may stay with us in Dresden if you ever want to explore this corner of Europe.

I am taking this dramatic step to follow my dream of developing brain-inspired AI, gain relevant experience for my upcoming PhD, and because I have simply always wanted to move to Europe. (It’s not exactly Italy, but it will do!)

Emily: I am still figuring out my plans for the future (it’s probably going to be grad school 🙁 ) but I am excited to be able to see and study a new culture. Currently, I am looking into programs and careers related to archives/libraries/museums, conservation, and historic preservation. While this move to Germany is a bit unexpected for me, I’ll be able to pursue my passions, learn, and grow a lot in the process. I am excited for this adventure and I’m even more grateful to be sharing it with Michael!

Michael: Just know (looking at you Dad) that we will be safe, happy, and healthy in Dresden, ensured by a daily dose of both historical art and delicious beer.

Dresden Cathedral

Michael would like to write a special thank you to:

  • Jason Zutty: For hiring me as a student researcher at GTRI, believing in my goals, and tolerating my camping in Smash Ultimate.
  • Samuel Shapero: For helping me become the engineer I am now and for writing so many recommendation letters.
  • Elizabeth Jurado: For helping me be organized and looking over many university and job applications.
  • Matthew Jurado: For giving me a hard reality check about how hard it is to actually get a German visa.
  • My Mom, two individuals named Dan, Luke, and frankly everyone else who encouraged, listened, advised, or distracted while I was job searching.

Emily would like to write a special thank you to:

  • My mom , Tracy, for taking everything in stride and still encouraging me. I love you!
  • Alice, for working their ass off and still being there for everything and making me feel less crazy. I couldn’t live life without ya <3
  • Elizabeth, for deflecting Michael’s stress in another direction and being the most helpful new sister I could have!
  • My friends and coworkers at the AUC for providing me the most valuable learning experiences and for making work (aka excel spreadsheets) a little less tedious.

And Finally… We Are Accepting Donations (but no gifts)!

Michael: Moving to Germany is expensive!

Emily: On top of that, it will take some time before I find a job in Dresden. So we are accepting donations to ease the initial burden of moving and buying furniture for our new home. Since we do not have an apartment picked out yet, we have not put together a registry.

Michael: Please do not feel obligated to donate at all or pitch in a lot. I would not be moving to Germany in the first place if it was financially unsustainable.

If you so wish, you can donate via:

  • Venmo: Emily-Watson-2
  • Zelle: Emily Watson: 706-207-6338

When choosing a donation amount please keep in mind the following chart:

Emily and Michael: Thank you for everything! We hope to see you again soon. Wish us luck in Germany and stay in touch!

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