Connect How did your love story begin?

We met in 2007 in college at a freshman floor meeting and locked eyes. To shy to introduce ourselves at that moment but instantly was infatuated. We started as friends hanging out with our freshman floor mates for months. We couldn’t deny our chemistry had grown into love as we both came out to our friends during our sophomore year and admitted we were also dating. We had been so scared to come out and lose our friends but they were very supportive and happy that we fell in love.

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

Our engagement in Barcelona! Months leading up to our trip, the ring Samson had wanted was sold out and he hid his sadness. But he didn’t know Rick was the one who had purchased the ring. In 2023, we went to Barcelona excited that it was our first trip in Europe. Samson was unaware Rick would propose on our trip, thinking it was mainly to celebrate Rick’s birthday. Rick booked a sunset boat tour of the coastline and popped the question, surprising Samson with a ring he thought was already sold.

What would you do with $20,000?

This money would help us through so much we had worked for in our lives. Pay off student debt, go towards our home together, but mainly fund our wedding this year in August 30th 2025!!! We really started and still are best friends turned fiancés; have and will continue to push each other for the better and grow together until we’re old and retired. We dream of also running a farm or café together, so this winning this can also be a nice possible start to our future endeavors together.