Come celebrate our love with us!

We met in 2014 on Victoria's quick trip to explore Tucson and the University of Arizona. She was looking for the best PhD program for her and a town where she, her mom, and her dog Gracie could settle down and grow some roots. Matt impressed Victoria with his passion for social justice and commitment to doing work that matters. Victoria impressed Matt with her academic brilliance, passion for community, and commitment to family. He offered to help Victoria look for housing when she let him know she chose UA. Now, don’t get any ideas. Matt had no ulterior motives because he is that kind of nice person to help people out. Lucky for my mom, Gracie, and me, a place opened up right next to Matt’s unit. We now had a place to live and a friendly neighbor who knew Tucson well. Most nights we’d come back to our respective places and say hello. Quickly after hellos and small talk we started to connect about our passions, frustrations with academia, and desire to be educators of social justice. This led to long talks with tasty beer and study sessions. Well, the studying was really Victoria asking Matt about concepts he learned years back, which he often had already forgotten. He welcomed Victoria and her mom to Tucson with such love and grace. We were so happy to have each other as neighbors and friends. Soon our friendship led to concerts, like Lila Downs, and 90s nights at Club Congress. All the fun quickly morphed into a committed relationship when Victoria gave Matt an ultimatum. She was clear she didn’t want casual. Matt was unsure. Victoria said, “I am the best thing that has ever happened to you and if want us I want commitment.” He realized Victoria was right and continues to see how true this is everyday. Matt committed; Victoria did too. We have worked on our love everyday since then. Nov. 27, 2014 was the start of the something magical.