My experience at UCF did a lot of things for me. It gave me a degree, a career that I love, the closest friends I have ever had, and introduced me to the woman of my dreams. I first met Sydnie during freshman summer B, and when I first laid my eyes on her I was completely stunned. Only trouble was that she had a boyfriend. For years we would stay in touch, when finally I had an opportunity to take her out in February of 2021. While I had gotten to know her at the surface level from afar, nothing could have prepared me for the feeling of magic I had after our first date. I had driven to Tampa from Cocoa Beach for the day, where I picked her up and took her to Clearwater Beach to bounce around the beach bars. No more than 10 minutes into the drive, we were sharing our taste in music and singing at the top of our lungs. By the end of the night, I had felt like I sincerely knew this person for years. I left her that night to drive back to Cocoa, already planning how I would see her again. Our second date was somehow even better than the first. I made the decision to surprise her by taking her to an absolute hole in the wall restaurant in Homosassa, a place that I held dear to my heart because of family experiences there from childhood until today. The hour and a half ride there was completely natural, and I never found myself forcing conversation (which is hard if you know me). We got elbows deep in pounds of shellfish and cheap beer, and she loved every minute of it. This restaurant was a place where you could go and just completely be yourself. On the way home, I found myself letting my guard down more than ever before. We had conversations that allowed us to very quickly have a sincere and deep connection with one another. It was this night, where I got the feeling. She was the one. Things did not take long to develop from there. We both knew what we wanted, and would communicate those thoughts and feelings freely. I knew for certain this incredible woman had every characteristic I had ever desired in a life partner. What I had always wanted, more importantly than looks.... was someone who was fun and outgoing, placed her family high on her list of priorities, was smart, and someone with impeccable work ethic and drive. She checked every box. Since those first few weeks, we have found many joys in life together. Our passions, hobbies, friendships and goals seem to perfectly align. There was no easier major decision in my life, then to drop to one knee and ask Sydnie to be my lawfully wedded wife.