It started like any other school year—stacks of folders, the scent of dry-erase markers, and the usual flutter of nerves before the students arrived. I had just gotten my first teaching contract to teach sixth grade at a new school. My office was a chaotic mix of bright posters, unopened boxes, and a very ambitious to-do list.

What I didn’t expect was to meet him.

I first saw my future fiance in the media center, on our new teacher work day. I was late because I couldn’t find the room, of course. I was so nervous to be late, but when I met Mason’s warm eyes, I knew I would be just fine.

Over the next few weeks, our lives became unofficially connected. We swapped lesson ideas, borrowed markers, and found ourselves staying late together more often than not. After school, we’d chat about our day and the sixth-grade drama. It turned out this was both our first year of teaching, we went to college near each other in northwest Ohio, and both loved nachos.

That first Friday of school, all of the teachers went out for what we call “professional development” aka happy hour. Mason bought me a drink, my favorite, pineapple High Noon. This was the first time I had seen him outside of school and we did not want the night to end. We came back to my apartment complex for a campfire and cards with friends. That was the first time I thought: Maybe this is something more.

The other teachers caught on before we did. They’d exchange texts teasing us, ask when we were moving in together, and giggle when we sat together at staff meetings.

Our first real date wasn’t a big production – just tacos and margaritas. But it was perfect. We walked around Bridge Park and found live music playing. We listened and looked at the stars together holding hands. Being there with Mason felt like home.

Now, we still walk these same halls and teach in the same district. Our coworkers joke that they “shipped” us before we even knew what was happening. And maybe they’re right.

Every morning, as we unlock our classrooms and wave to the kids filing in, I’m reminded of how lucky I am that Hilliard Station led me to the love of my life.

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