We unofficially met in 2017, through a snapchat streak we started during senior week that carried on throughout our time at ECU. We officially met during our sophomore year, in Fall of 2018. As I sat in my booth in Joyner Library, scrambling to finish some homework, he came over to ask for change for a $20 bill. Our initial connection was made during several trips up the hill as he walked me to the cafeteria, before he departed for work in Student Living. Our friendship grew as we began to hang out more and stay up late on FaceTime talking through the newest albums. The more we hung out, the more difficult it was for us to be apart and we started to see each other literally every day. On June 11, 2019, we officially began our relationship. As we continued into adulthood together, we have shared a ton of firsts. We’ve gotten new cars, started careers in our field, got a dog, and even got our first house together. On December 14th, 2024, during what was supposed to just be a Christmas Party with close friends and family, Brandon proposed. Surrounded by some of the people we love the most, we made a heartfelt promise to spend our lives together. This beautifully chaotic day, sealed our love with a commitment that has continued to evolve as we build a life together. Over the last 6 years, we have shared lots of laughter, tears, music, and memories, that neither of us could have anticipated. We have grown immensely as individuals, and as a couple, and we are ecstatic to finally take our relationship to the next level. Our story is a testament to the idea that the most profound connections can form when we least expect them – in the heart of our academic pursuits, setting the stage for a lifetime of love, laughs, and adventure.