Couple deals with approaching graduation

Isaac Brunetti and Megan Hunt have been dating since November. Shortly, Megan will graduate from high school and prepare for college life at Marshall.

By Sarah Abbott
South Charleston High School

In high school, dating is supposed to be finding out what you’re all about and what you’re looking for, learning what’s good and what’s not. But occasionally, a pair will luck out and find something more real.

Isaac Brunetti and Megan Hunt are two such people. Dating since Nov. 12 they’ve learned to value every moment of their time together. And though they’ve lasted more than seven months together, their relationship is somewhat bittersweet: Hunt, a senior, is graduating this year. Sophomore Brunetti won’t be able to follow her for another two years.

Both are active in South Charleston High School’s show choir, which is where they met.

“Isaac and I met on the first day of school in show choir at the beginning of this year. We’d seen each other the previous year because he was at show choir performances, but we never really took notice of one another,” said Hunt.

When asked about his initial reaction to Hunt, Brunetti said that the age difference wasn’t much of an issue. “The age difference didn’t really bother me too much in the beginning, although it was a little awkward at times. Before I asked her out, I thought I didn’t have a chance with an upperclassman — especially a senior. But even then, I didn’t care. I was still attracted to her despite the age difference.”

Hunt had already realized that getting into a long-term relationship with a younger person in this phase of her life could be difficult. “I was hesitant in the beginning. I’d only dated older guys, so I wasn’t sure how it would be with the change in maturity levels. I loved being around him, and he made life so much more interesting, so I thought I’d take a chance. I’m so glad I did!”

They both profess that they don’t even feel like there’s a gap anymore.

“Things are always so fun and interesting when we are together,” Hunt said. “He does a lot of things that I would like to do but never have, mainly outdoors stuff, and vice versa. We love being with each other, and we’re best friends, which makes it even better. “

The pair also agreed that there are advantages to one of them being older, such as Hunt being able to drive.

“I get to hang out with him a lot more than I would have been able to before I started driving,” Hunt said. “However, being the driver isn’t always a great thing. Roles are kind of reversed. Instead of the guy picking up the girl, Isaac is sitting there waiting for me!”

Brunetti’s feelings about Hunt’s graduation are mixed. “I really want to see Megan succeed and follow her dreams, but I really don’t want to see her go. This summer will be hard, especially since she lives 40 minutes away now, but I am definitely willing to work through it. She’s worth it.”

Hunt will be attending Marshall University this fall. She said, “I think if we both make compromises and are willing to work at it, our relationship could last a long time. It won’t be easy, but it is doable and worth trying.”

Brunetti agreed. “My plans are to just keep on keeping on. I think it will be pretty easy because it’s real love and that’s worth fighting for.”

The couple remains hopeful and happy, preferring to look at each day as it comes rather than mope around over what could happen in the future.