We first met in college at NMU. Derek was a Senior, and Makayla was a Sophomore. Our first date was in December of 2019, and we went to Sol Azteca, a Mexican restaurant, for dinner.

In March of 2020, when the pandemic happened, Derek stayed up in Marquette and we became inseparable until he went home in May.

We did long distance for 2 years, but in 2022 Makayla made the move up to Anchorage, AK where we lived until the beginning of 2024.

We are now living in El Paso, TX. We will be there for the next 3 years!