In 2019, Polk and I both attended Wake Tech Community College. On September 20, Polk saw me getting out of my car in the parking deck, and wanted to "be friends" with me (his words but later he admitted he just thought I was cute;)). He was too nervous to actually come up and talk to me, so instead his friend Will dared him to leave his number on my car.

Later that day I returned to find a Holden Beach Fishing Pier ticket stuck in the door of my car. On the back was a phone number and the words "not a ticket". At first I was super creeped out and totally thought I was about to be stalked. After about 10 minutes of debating, I decided (maybe not so wisely) to text the number.

Little did I know that simple decision would lead me to meeting the love of my life.

I invited him to play Spikeball, since that's how I spent all of my free time at that point in my life. I also invited him to church, and he immediately melded so well with my friends and family.

Over the next couple of months, Polk and I hung out whenever we weren't in class or working. We got very close during those months, though we didn't officially start dating until November 26.

Since we've been dating, Polk has lived in three different cities (Raleigh, Belhaven and Wilmington), so we have been long distance for the majority of our relationship. This has made us very thankful for the times we get to spend together, and even more excited to finally live in the same city again!

Polk and I still love playing Spikeball together, he has taught me how to fish, and we love exploring new places together, especially in the outdoors.