We first met during what was, at the time, the most stressful weekend of Nayeli’s life — the interview weekend for a prestigious scholarship at Loyola University Chicago, which Ryan already held. By chance (or maybe fate), we ended up in the same scholarship group and immediately connected as friends. As time went on, we found ourselves in the same class and started spending more time together — mostly studying, but also building a quiet, growing affection for one another. Just as things began to deepen, Nayeli left for Vietnam, and our budding relationship came to an end. Still, we kept in touch, never quite letting go. Two years later, life brought us back together at a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend — and this time, the timing was just right. We picked up where we left off, but this time with clarity, laughter, and love. And the rest, as they say, is history.