Faith, hope, and love . . . and a lot of patience!

Our love story is an example of God’s love in His perfect timing! He nurtured and blessed Jason’s unwavering faith and Mia’s persistent optimism (hope) to ensure our love would blossom quickly! As for patience, God ensured a perfect counterbalance, but lets not get into those specifics!

God is the foundation and at the core of our relationship. He has undoubtedly orchestrated our love from the beginning. We share a passion for mentorship and shared a mentor (Linwood) for almost three years, but had not crossed paths before October 2019. We are blessed beyond measure and look forward to our future together as Drs. Branch! For more details on how we met, keeping reading...

On October 11, 2019, I (Mia) was reveling in the company of three treasured mentors at the national ACES Conference in Seattle, WA. As we laughed and caught up on each other’s lives, one of my mentors, Dr. Linwood Vereen stood up and gave a bear hug to a handsome man wearing a suit. As Linwood turned and introduced Jason to our table, I was immediately drawn to his brilliant warm smile and noticed the bright light shinning from his heart. I had no doubt in that moment that I saw God’s light shinning through him. I was not exactly sure how Linwood knew Jason, but I was instantly intrigued and determined to learn more.

I got that chance on the last day of the conference at 9 am, Sunday, October 13! I walked into Jason’s presentation and smiled at him as I took my seat. For the next hour, I was mesmerized by his enthusiasm, humor, kindness, humility, and passion. After his presentation, I introduced myself again and he offered to help me with my dissertation research. Two weeks later, we spoke again and our professional relationship quickly blossomed into flirtation and then so much more! I knew almost immediately that Jason would be my husband, and if you ask, I will share the details!

We were engaged on February 13 in New Orleans! Jason planned a day full of surprises, ensuring every last detail was complete! It was a magical day and a memorable trip that I will never forget! I cannot wait to be Mrs. Dr. Branch!!!

It was October 2019 in Seattle Washington at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference. I was introduced to future Dr. Marianna Oller from my mentor Dr. Linwood Vereen. He said, "'Mia' is a doctoral student from the University of North Texas and she is making waves in the counseling profession." He mentioned that we had similar research interests and wanted to connect us in case we were able to assist each other along the way. I skipped the formalities and stated that I hoped she was able to attend the awards luncheon the following day because my mentor (Linwood) was winning a national award. She smiled and asked more about this big award. I kept it cool and just encouraged her to attend. Meanwhile, she downplayed it a bit and said, “I may be able to make it tomorrow.”

The next day was the big day celebrating my mentor winning a national award. I was geeked and noticed Mia walking around the luncheon and she caught my attention. It felt like she was the only person in a room of about 150 people. The announcements were made and my mentor (Linwood) was walking across the stage to accept his award. I noticed Mia quietly heading to the stage as well and what do you know, she was winning a national award as well and didn't mention it the night before. I knew right then that she was something special because she did me like me! Who does that? I would call that a lil humble brag. lol. From that moment, I grabbed my awards program to make sure I had her first and last name because I planned to connect with her after the conference ended. Of course, I was gonna shoot my shot, but I had to play it cool because I was at a professional conference.

The following day I was scheduled to present my research at 9:00am. I didn’t expect anyone to show up to my presentation because it was the last day of the conference. I anticipated people would be headed home or too hungover to attend. As soon as I got everything set up and was prepared to deliver my presentation, guess who walks in the door?! Future Dr. Oller! I was like a kid in a candy store knowing that I would get a chance to speak with her. During my presentation, she was dialed in, asking questions, making statements, and shutting down anyone who tried to do too much. Afterwards, she came up to me to ask more about my research (shooting her shot). We chatted for a moment and she asked if I would assist her with her research. I jumped at the opportunity and we exchanged info. I knew then that I was going to ask her out, but I didn't want to overstep any boundaries. I didn't know if she was spoken for or not. On top of all of that I had to keep it professional of course.

She reached out via email and we set a time and date to connect to discuss her research. 😏 We planned to meet in 2 weeks due to our hectic schedules. So, for the next 2 weeks I played detective on social media and Google to obtain any info I could on this mystery woman. She was a mystery because I couldn't find anything, but a post from June 2014 or so. She only had a profile picture which caught my attention but that may be because that was the only picture she had displayed on her page. I was shocked and so curious because I had no idea who she was. I had to be patient for 2 weeks to get the inside scoop. So, we finally got a chance to talk via zoom video call to discuss research and her dissertation. I could tell from her body language, smile, and laugh that she was not spoken for. I decided to shoot my shot because I felt like she was shooting hers! I asked to exchange numbers and then things got even more interesting. We flirted via text for a couple days and talked about everything under the sun.

I finally asked her if I could take her "In" on a date. She lived in Texas and I lived in New Jersey, so a video date was in the making. She accepted and I told her to "grab a drink, wear something nice, and I’ll video call you at 7:00pm." At 7:00pm on the dot, she was there looking amazing and truly beautiful with drink (Captain & Coke) in hand! I was hooked from that moment. On our first date we talked for 6 hrs straight about any and every topic that came to mind. It was natural, easy, normal, and so intense. Our only break was to go to the bathroom or refill our drinks. Date night was amazing, and I couldn't wait for round 2. A couple days later, I asked her "In" again and she accepted. Date #2 was a total of 8 hours. That’s a whole shift! Like someone went to work all day and we were just talking nonstop learning and building together. She knew date #2 that I was her husband and didn't mind expressing her truth. When she asked me, I had to admit that I knew she would be my wife one day. Several dates and endless conversations later here we are. Celebrating an amazing day ahead with friends and family. I will cherish that moment and experience for the rest of my life because I would have never thought that this was how God would bring us together to continue to do HIS work as a collective unit. It only took 38 & 39 years for God to create the two most imperfect people who were made perfectly for each other and my dreams have now become my reality.