From the moment we met at Heidelberg, we were drawn together by mutual friends and the shared experiences of being student-athletes, and it became clear that there was an undeniable spark. As freshmen, hanging out in group settings, we began to notice something special between us. We soon discovered a common desire to make a difference in the world—one of us longing to inspire the next generation as a teacher, the other destined for a life of public service. It was this shared passion for helping others that truly bonded us.Our competitive spirits added another layer to our connection. Whether it was a game of putt-putt or a board game, we loved challenging each other, always in good fun — okay, maybe not always, but at least sometimes. And lets not forget our shared love for coffee, which has taken us on adventures around the world, ranking local coffee shops wherever we go. But one of the most magical days of our lives was our first date at Little Hugo’s Ice Cream in Tiffin. It wasn’t just the great ice cream; it was the natural pull of love and admiration we felt for each other.A date on January 9, 2022, solidified those feelings, marking the day we officially became a couple. Then, on November 23, 2024, amidst the beauty of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens Holiday Lighting Show, we knew we wanted to be together forever. It was there, surrounded by twinkling lights and the magic of the season, that we got engaged.