Maya & Nick

Our Story

Nick and Maya met at the University of Dayton through a mutual student organization, the Asian American Association. Both of us joined the group our first year at UD, but we did not meet until December 2019 when we both ran for positions on the organization's executive board. During our first executive board meeting, we sat next to each other and shared Maya’s computer because Nick forgot his. And although we did not talk to each other much, we were both thinking of ways to try to get to know the other better. When the new semester started, our relationship was quick to follow. We spent a lot of time getting to know each other at student events and by the end of January 2020, our relationship had progressed beyond the organization. Whether it was studying in the library, grabbing dinner, or shooting pool in the student union, we loved each other’s company. We officially began dating at the end of February, but only 10 days later were sent home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which we thought would only be an extended spring break. Unfortunately, this was not the case and so the first 3 months of our relationship were spent long distance with Nick moving back to St. Louis and Maya in Dayton. Despite being over 300 miles apart, our relationship continued to grow virtually with late night conversations becoming a daily occurrence. Finally, when Nick was allowed to return to Dayton to move out of his dorm, the first thing we did was enjoy a picnic at a local park, Hills and Dales Metro Park. Ever since that first date spent there, we have returned to share many picnics, hike, hammock, and cookouts among friends. The park has meant a lot to us since that first picnic, and on December 30th, 2023 we went back to the same spot to picnic and Nick proposed! Our engagement was celebrated with family and friends. Throughout our 4 years together, our relationship has prevailed through long distance, a global pandemic, our undergraduate educations, and Nick’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. We are excited for many years to come, but look forward to celebrating our marriage alongside our families and friends.