Dereke and I met in August 2020 in our first class at Pellissippi State Community College. We were both theatre majors and spent a lot of time together in multiple different classes and became very good friends. In November 2021, we did a theatre production together with the Pellissippi theatre group and started dating around that same time. I fell in love with his goofy personality and kind heart and I think he fell in love with my cooking ;). In April 2022, he asked me to be his girlfriend and, of course, I agreed. We have enjoyed travelling together, going to Japan in May 2023, Disney World in December 2023, New York City in February 2024, and other small trips here in the States. We hope to visit and explore many more countries and exciting places while spending the rest of our lives together! On May 6, 2024, while on a beach getaway to Myrtle Beach with my brother and sister, Dereke surprised me with a sunrise proposal on the beach. He proposed to me with a beautiful opal ring with the words "I love you" inscribed on it. I have never been more surprised and excited in all my life. Needless to say, that day became one of my favorite days ever!