In 2016 Branson and Abby were attending their respective Penn State University campuses. Abby was studying human development and family studies at Penn State Brandywine, while Branson was double-majoring in business and IST at Penn State York. During their last spring semester, they both signed up to attend a service learning trip to help the community of Nassau, the Bahamas.

On the morning of March 7th, 2016, Abby walked down the stairs of the Towne Hotel to get some breakfast before the day's activities began. When she walked down stairs, Abby noticed that Penn State York was attending their security briefing. Once their briefing was done, Abby walked over and introduced herself to the group. A boy reached out his hand and introduced himself "well I'm Branson." The two shook hands, not knowing that this trip would soon change their lives forever.