James and I met a little over 10 years ago at Key Middle School—he was an eighth grader, and I was a year younger. We lived just a few streets apart, and I would sometimes walk over to his bus stop to be with my best friends. Once we met, we instantly connected over growing up in the same neighborhood, attending the same elementary school, and our shared love of skateboarding.

One of my favorite memories from back then was spending time with James’ dog, Charlie, who always tagged along when we walked around the neighborhood. I even still have a picture with him! Anyway, we liked each other back then, but we were just kids, so I figured it was best to stay friends.

We stayed in touch throughout high school, spending time together here and there, but after freshman year, we drifted apart. Since we were in different grades at Lewis High School, we had separate classes and friend groups. Eventually, we graduated, went to different colleges, and later moved back home to Northern Virginia.

Last year, we reconnected over our shared love of art and spent a day together at a national museum in D.C. As we reminisced about our middle school days- including the fact that we had liked each other all those years ago- it felt like nothing had changed between us. Conversation came so naturally, as if no time had passed.

It was even more surprising to realize how much our paths had aligned- we both work in similar fields as part-time behavior therapists in ABA and social work. Reconnecting after all this time felt like everything had come full circle. It’s so special to find someone who shares a similar upbringing and now works in the same field.

If you’ve ever heard of the red string of fate theory, I’m a firm believer in it. It’s the idea that people destined to be in each other’s lives are connected by an invisible red string, no matter the time, circumstances, or distance. Looking back, I truly believe life brought us back together when the time was right. I’m so grateful that FCPS led me to my person. 7th-grade me would have never believed this outcome!