UTA Homecoming 2018: The Mavericks are in the lead, and the student section is roaring. I've got front row seats, and I am convinced that if I yell just a little louder, the Mavs can widen the gap till the buzzer. Shoulder to shoulder with UTA's biggest fans, I remember looking around with starry eyes to take in the electric scene. In a sea of shirtless frat boys, painted sorority girls, and wide eyed freshman, my attention falls to the blonde boy wearing orange and blue striped overalls and bright orange sunglasses (even though we are inside). "That one is mine" I thought. I didn't know his name, or even what his whole face looked like, but I couldn't help hearing destiny calling me to him. August 2021: My roommate is getting physics tutoring and skateboarding lessons by one of her co-workers. It is him. My homecoming cutie. All of the sudden, I find myself wanting skateboarding lessons very badly too. September 2021: Cody is skeptical at first, but I am persistent. I offer to drive him home after long nights in the lab. He takes me out for ice cream. We aren't thinking of forever yet. December 2021: Winter break away from campus is more difficult than we thought. We text everyday, and fall asleep together on FaceTime every night. January 2022: How does returning to each other feel more like home than the Holidays did? March 2022: Cody is brave first. He tells me he loves me. I am so scared and happy at the same time. All I can think is about my upcoming graduation in May, which is going to send me back to Houston while he stays in Arlington to continue his work. One month for winter break was hard enough, how will we survive long distance for an indefinite amount of time? May 2022 - July 2024: With the odds stacked against us, we make it work. We take turns visiting each other for a weekend about every 6 weeks. Every parting is just as painful as the last. We spend countless hours on facetime, sometimes saying nothing at all, just pleased to be in each others presence. I think of him during my hard days at work, wishing he was there when I got home. But the timing isn't right yet. I need to establish myself in my new career and he is diligently working on his degree. July 2024: With solid experience under my belt, I now have more freedom to find a new job in Arlington. After two long years of long distance, we find a beautiful apartment to make our first home in. August 2024: His taste in décor is very different than mine. Compromises must be made. September 2025: He pops the question. I say yes. March 2026 - forever: I never want to be parted again. I am so excited to see where we go