We met in September 2016 during the first few weeks of freshman year at Manhattan College. In an effort to broaden our social circles, our two friend groups spent time together, and from that a bond began. Over time, we grew closer, first as friends, and then, after others around us already seemed to know, we realized we had feelings for each other. Our first date was on October 22, 2016, in Central Park. We spent the afternoon walking through the park in the misty rain, chatting, shivering, and enjoying each other’s company. We dated throughout college and were abruptly sent home before graduation in 2020. Mike accepted a job that took him to Indianapolis, while Shannon remained on the East Coast. After nearly three years of long distance, Mike made the move to Boston in early 2023. On March 9, 2024, Mike proposed to Shannon on the beach she grew up visiting throughout her childhood. Since then, we have been planning our wedding and the future we are excited to build together.