We met in high school geography, the attraction was obvious on both ends from the start. We made each other laugh every oppurtunity we had. We both admit that when one of us would get to the classroom first, we would restlessly look at door way, waiting for the other to arrive, while acting nonchalant. We developed such a strong friendship. This was when we fell in love. Our personalities were so compatible and even though we always wanted to be more, we are very happy that we spent the first few years learning each others' character. At the end of the school year, Michael had been accepted to ASU and moved to Phoenix. We would still keep contact and he would try to see me whenever he came out to L.A.. 2 years into our amazing friendship, we started dating on July 1, 2013.

From the day we started dating, we knew that this was going to demand faith and patience. These along with many other key virtues, were learned in this chapter of our lives. Sabrina, who was still in high school, without a license and a family, skeptical of my intentions, was not in any position to visit me in Arizona. So, this was my opportunity to demonstrate my perseverance and dedication to this relationship. To keep the interest of my dream girl from wavering, I made it my mission to drive out to L.A. every month for these two years. I learned to cherish every second that I was in her presence, being that I only had a day or so with her. Through this I gained the acceptance of her family and ultimately the blessing for her to attend college in Arizona with me.

Sabrina had been accepted at Northern Arizona University and I was enrolled for my classes at the community college in the same quaint town. We stayed busy, working full-time and attending school full-time, but somehow found enough time to forge lifelong relationships with some incredible people. Obviously, living together exposed more of our character flaws, but we were able to identify anything destructive and change for the better, while the other had to learn patience and grace during the transition. I have a feeling we'll master this by the end of our lives. This was our first look into the sanctifying properties that marriage gives us. God wants loyal, humble, servants, who are quick to forgive and slow to anger. Sabrina and I have both had to lay down our pride and forgive one another again and again. This period of our life was so rewarding and our love flourished in an unexpected way.

After Michael had gained the credits needed from the community college and I had decided to switch Majors, we moved down to Phoenix for Michael to finish his last few semesters at A.S.U. Now I was enrolled at the community college, checking of general education classes. Michael started taking more wildlife classes that were applicable to his Pre-Veterinary major and he soon learned that this was where his true passion was. While I shifted from psychology to veterinary medicine. We both have always had such an affinity towards animals, so it was fitting for us to have both pursued careers with that orientation. Michael will graduate in may and already has a job lined up with Arizona Game and Fish Department, whereas, I have been working my way through some of the best veterinary hospitals in the valley. I am currently a vet tech at an amazing hospital and will gain my certificate by the end of the year.