Our story began in 2015—young, curious, and full of butterflies. We texted for months until I ended it, unsure of what I felt. Months later, I saw him with another girl and, to my surprise, jealousy hit hard. I told a friend, who boldly asked Elijah if he’d take me back. His answer? “Of course.” That moment rekindled everything—and a month later, we were officially together, this time for real.

The beach has always been a summer tradition for my family—a place woven into my childhood. Elijah, growing up in a landlocked state, had never seen the ocean. A few years into our relationship, he joined us on a trip. Watching him see the ocean for the first time—wide-eyed, awestruck—was magical. He still calls it the best week of his life, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared that unforgettable moment with him.

Our journey is just beginning. I’m pursuing my master’s in clinical psychology, dreaming of helping others through therapy. Eli, a passionate history teacher, is just starting his career. With my part-time income and his new role, we haven’t yet been able to move in together. This year marks 10 years of love, growth, and commitment—and $20,000 wouldn’t just change our lives, it would finally allow us to build one, side by side, under the same roof.