Connect How did your love story begin?

After moving from Brazil, Enrique joined an advanced program at our high school. By pure luck, he ended up in Sofia’s class and even luckier, right beside her. What started as passing notes on gum wrappers in a Miami classroom quickly turned into going on dates. Today they feel so blessed that someone who had just moved countries ended up sitting in the exact seat next to their future lover. That coincidence changed both of our lives for the better and became the beginning of our love story.

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

Our favorite memories are the times Sofia has traveled to visit Enrique at his shared university apartment. These days created a glimpse of the life we hope to build together. From simple moments like grocery shopping and everyday routines to celebrating anniversaries and Valentine’s Day a little later because of the distance, we‘ve learned to see what’s beautiful in things that are ephemeral. Despite the miles between us, our commitment has always found a way to bring us together.

What would you do with $20,000?

To close the distance, we hope to work towards renting or preferably purchasing a home together in 2027 or 2028. This goal has become very important to us as Sofia attends university in South FL while Enrique attends university in Northern FL. Although we are in the same state, we spend much of the year apart and during school breaks, we do not have a place of our own to share. Having a home together would allow us to finally return to the same place and build a future together.