Melissa and I met on a busy and festive Friday night on the streets at La Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was on my second semester abroad, and working as an engineering intern at a medical device manufacturer in Puerto Rico. Our paths crossed when a member of each of our newly formed expat groups knew each other. After spending time that evening getting to know Melissa, I learned that she had recently moved to Puerto Rico to live with her Aunt and Uncle and started a job in marketing with a small company based out of Humacao - the same town I worked in. No, Melissa is not Puerto Rican and her Spanish is only good enough to get by. Our first date was about a week later at the Mexican restaurant in Palmas del Mar. We instantly bonded over our love of traveling and I was surprised to find someone who had nearly doubled me in countries she visited. We enjoyed many adventures during my time in the Caribbean and I learned just how caring and compassionate she was. After Melissa survived riding out the eye of Hurricane Maria, and my last year at URI, we began dating long distance. Shortly thereafter, Melissa took a leap of faith and decided to pursue a new job in New England... I think her newfound love of the ocean was really what won her over. Since then, Melissa and I have adventured both near and far, from Spain and Portugal to California, enjoying each other's company along the way. I have also been fortunate to meet her friends and family, and we've even taken on the challenge of raising our highly energetic, rescue pup, Walter. I look forward to celebrating with you all this upcoming September in the Ocean State! I will leave you with this... I am so happy I made the last minute decision to intern in Puerto Rico because it led me to two great things - I was able to live the emotional roller coaster that was the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history (28-3) and I was able to meet my future wife. -Adam