How They Met:
Thai & Maya’s paths crossed while working together at Syracuse University––shoutout to OSL––during a transitional time for each of them as the world halted for the pandemic. They were essential employees and spent most of their time working in residence halls and fostering a sense of community with the residents. But it was their collaborative effort to help students find their way that led them to each other.



Thai’s Background:
Thai is originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Thai’s background in higher education began shortly after he graduated from Monmouth University with his MS. Ed. He previously worked in residence life while in graduate school and enjoyed the camaraderie that often develops within that space. While searching for new ways to share his passion for community, Thai was led to apply and later accepted a position at Syracuse University. Though excited to give back to this community, he did not immediately feel connected to SU campus life. He found himself feeling lost and questioned how he may achieve a sense of purpose.



Maya’s Background:
Also, on a new quest for meaningful work, Maya was transitioning back to her hometown of Syracuse. She had previously spent five years working in the fashion-marketing industry, Maya graduated from Berkeley College in White Plains, and lived in the Bronx for about 4.5 years. The hustle of New York City ultimately helped her refocus on achieving a career at Syracuse University and after some time was blessed with the opportunity to join OSL––it opened doors for personal and professional growth.



First Encounters:
During their shared experience at OSL, Thai & Maya worked on several significant initiatives together. Their favorite memories begin with an early morning “RA student staff selection” process which happened to fall on Maya’s birthday. Thai recalls that morning was a requirement for his role, but Maya had volunteered to wake up early and come to work on her birthday. He remembered sitting next to her talking about the processes and later discovering that Maya did not have any birthday plans beyond spending time at her mom’s house. Always wanting to bring people into the fold, Thai invited her to hang out with him and a few coworkers to celebrate. Maya recalls hesitating when asked because she didn’t want to miss any celebratory traditions, including a Wegmans cake, with her family. She also remembers calling one of her close friends, who had sent a cake from Atlanta- Maya recalls describing Thai as a “friendly, joyful light”.



That initial invite from Thai started a trend of get-togethers with other OSL folks to celebrate birthdays, they remember planning small gatherings with yummy cake and special libations. After a couple of years of unknowingly developing traditions together, they decided to start dating. Thai and Maya, if you know them, they tend to overthink, and they acknowledge that taking their time with deciding to officially date was a slow trickle. While the transition to them dating came naturally, others could see that their friendship was evolving into something special. The new moments of exploring different restaurants, discussing new recipes using healthy alternatives (the brand “Banza” is a top favorite), and creating playlists to enjoy while driving around Syracuse started to make life seem brighter, together.



Present day, one of their favorite things to do is to cook together using one of their many kitchen gadgets. Thai enjoys finding new items to grill, while Maya likes fashioning menus with healthy recipes that are delicious to eat, and fun to make together––that’s a very tall order!



Their support for one another is a continued blessing and journey enriched by faith pouring into their professional and personal growth. Maya recently purchased her first home in Syracuse and the couple has found new roles at the University, not to mention their adopted puppy named Brody! With the many health detours in their life, especially Thai’s brain surgery, they have been able to work through some of the hardest times together. Always comforting each other and gentle reminders that everything will be okay.



The Proposal:
Thai admits he had the engagement ring for months waiting for the perfect time to pop the question, which happened on Saturday, June 17th, during the Water Lantern Festival at Inner Harbor. Maya and Thai were able to enjoy a delicious dinner outdoors while decorating their lanterns and drafting their intentions for good fortune. They decorated each with things they wanted to accomplish, remembering loved ones, and celebrating their love. When it came time for them to launch their lanterns onto the surface of the water, Thai bent down first to send his lantern off and then took to his knee as Maya launched hers. Upon turning around, she saw this great surprise and said “yes” while onlookers cheered in congratulations. (Thx Joey for your debut)



Walking in faith and trusting the process is a wonderful journey, especially when it includes growing in that trust with someone special. Finding each other has been a wonderful comfort as we each grow into our better selves.



Cheers to good health & building memories with each of you in some way or another!



XO
Thai & Maya