I remember walking into the Women’s Center at UConn Stamford. Raquel was sitting at a table working on her laptop that had all these super cool social justice stickers on it. Naturally, I just sat next to her and started talking, complimenting the stickers. Thank goodness Raquel found me charming and we became fast friends. Over time we realized how much we had in common and how much we wanted to make this world a better place. I liked Raquel’s sarcastic humor and honesty, but I loved her compassion for others. Some years later and after many peppermint hot chocolates delivered, she finally agreed to date me during finals week of our last semester at UConn.

Running late to a date in the city, Sarah convinced me that we had to take a quick detour to UConn Stamford. She used the excuse that one of our former professors had asked us to stop by before the semester was over and that Sarah didn't realize what day it was, so we had to go right then and there. Obviously, I was a little annoyed because I was excited about going into NYC and catching a matinee and now I didn't think we were going to make it. As we walked into the WGSS Center, it was lit up with white christmas lights and there were rose petals leading the way to the table covered with cards and more flowers. Sarah had me sit down exactly where we met, then had me read each card, and then proposed. According to her I said “Okay!” followed by an actual “Yes!”. We’re so excited to have you all celebrate with us! See you in November!