Scott and I first met at my youngest sister McKenzie’s tennis meet. Scott (Mr. E) was there being an amazing teacher, supporting his students at their sporting events. We exchanged a quick introduction, but that was about it.

Later, we “re-met” during McKenzie’s powder puff game. At the end of the game, when everyone was taking pictures, McKenzie asked for a photo with Mr. E, which I took on my phone. That was in October of 2018. (see photo above)

Fast forward two years, and Scott and I crossed paths again—this time at a fundraiser. My mom wanted to buy Scott (Mr. E) a drink as a thank-you for all the time he had spent helping McKenzie with her math, and for being a phenomenal math teacher (he insisted I write that). I volunteered to deliver the drink to him. We started chatting, but as fate would have it, we were interrupted by other people on multiple occasions. Despite that, we seemed to gravitate towards each other throughout the afternoon.

At one point, Scott mentioned he had run out of cash while playing one of the “donation” games for the event. I jokingly offered cash if he Venmo’d me the same amount. He took me up on it—we made the exchange, and that was that.

Later in the evening, once the bags fundraiser had concluded, a DJ started playing music. I hit the dance floor, but Scott decided to head home with his friend instead—there were too many students and former students around for his intoxication level.

The next morning, I woke up to a Venmo notification from Scott along with his phone number. He explained it was the only way he could think of to get in touch with me. From that Venmo message on, we’ve been talking ever since!