We met in the fall of 7th grade at Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School in Raleigh, NC. After a year of friendship—and Keton persistently asking—Emma finally agreed to go on her first date on December 7, 2015. They visited the Christmas Light Show at Meadow Lights, accompanied by Keton’s parents.

Soon, we faced our first major challenge. Emma was accepted to Wake STEM Early College, meaning we wouldn’t be attending the same high school. Though it was difficult, we chose to continue our relationship for as long as we could. High school proved challenging, as our time together was limited, but in hindsight, those years strengthened our bond and taught us to treasure every moment we shared.

As high school came to an end, a new challenge arose. Emma was accepted to NC State University, and her family moved out of town due to her father’s new job. Meanwhile, Keton began studying at Wake Technical Community College, later transferring to Campbell University. Once again, we were separated by our ambitions. Yet, this only deepened our connection, and during this time, Keton made Emma a heartfelt promise. On December 7, 2020, Keton presented Emma with a promise ring, vowing to one day ask for her hand in marriage.

Throughout college, our relationship continued to flourish. We found strength and stability in each other, thanking God every day for bringing us together. Weekends were precious, and we relied on virtual communication to stay connected. We prioritized celebrating important family moments together whenever possible. Even when Emma moved to Florida to pursue her master’s degree, our love remained unwavering.

Finally, after more than a year of careful planning, Keton proposed to Emma on December 14, 2024, at the same place where they had their first date nine years earlier.

We are overjoyed to step into this next chapter of our lives together. We feel incredibly blessed to have maintained our relationship through life’s challenges, growing both as individuals and as a couple.