Connect How did your love story begin?

We became friends freshman year of high school & then grew interest in each other our sophomore year due to being in all 6 class periods together. We called each other “Most Compatible buddies” because we got along so well. Our friends & teachers teased us saying we should get together &our response was always “we’re just really good friends”. After being in denial sophomore & junior year, we couldn’t deny our feelings anymore: we started dating our senior year (2005) & haven’t stopped since.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We did Yosemite’s dangerous Half Dome hike, which is a slippery & steep hike, secured only by basic cable and plywood (historically, hikers have fallen to their death). During our hike down the dome, Andrew was in front & made his way down safely. I ended up slipping & almost falling, which caused a panic attack. I froze up & couldn’t move. Andrew went back up to save me. He guided me with patience & grit, & gave me the courage to finish that hike. He was my knight in hiking gear that day!

What would you do with $20,000?

We tried to start a family for 6 years & were unsuccessful due to reproductive health issues. After continuous heartache & disappointment, we decided to pivot & focus on bettering ourselves & pursuing our dreams. If given $20,000, we would invest in Andrew going back to college to obtain his degree, and Deja’s stand-up comedy career to obtain a Netflix Special one day.