From Friendship to Forever:
The Love Story of Dariea and Brian Stewart

BRIAN & DARIEA STEWART

In the fall of 2002, Fort Valley State University welcomed a new wave of freshmen, unaware that among them, two souls were destined to intertwine. Brian, a quiet but determined young man from Quitman, Georgia, transferred to FVSU from Georgia Southern University. He moved not only to pursue his journalism degree but also to be closer to his grandmother, who needed his support. Little did he know that a girl from Indianapolis, Indiana, would change his life forever.

As fate would have it, Dariea was also stepping into her first year at FVSU, excited yet nervous as she navigated the campus. She was majoring in education, which she later changed to Infant and Child Development with an emphasis in Family Studies. One evening, as she entered Watson Hall with her best friend Sheena, she caught a glimpse of Brian. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, igniting a spark of curiosity within her. It was a fleeting encounter, but it marked the beginning of a beautiful journey.

Weeks later, during a typical college day, news spread among students that someone had a car and was heading to Walmart. The chance to leave campus was too tempting to resist! Sheena and Dariea jumped into the car, unaware that this simple trip would be the catalyst for a blossoming friendship. Brian was there, and amidst the laughter and camaraderie, a connection began to take root.

As the semesters rolled on, their friendship deepened, especially as they served together with the Baptist Student Union. Brian’s composed nature balanced Dariea’s spirited disposition, and their shared values and passions created a bond that felt almost effortless. They spent countless hours studying, participating in the Baptist Student Union activities on/off campus, sharing dreams, and supporting one another through the trials of college life.

By the time they graduated in 2007, both had found their calling. Dariea was ready to make a difference in education, while Brian was set to tell stories that mattered through journalism. They crossed the stage with honors, proud of their accomplishments but even prouder of the friendship that had blossomed into something deeper.

After graduation, life took them on different paths. Dariea moved back to Indiana to teach, while Brian stayed in middle Georgia for a while. Yet, the distance did little to dim the light of their connection. They stayed in touch, their friendship transforming into love, and every conversation felt like coming home.

It was during a visit to Indianapolis that Brian took a leap of faith and proposed, a moment forever etched in Dariea's heart. Surrounded by family, love, and laughter, he asked her to be his partner for life, creating a memory that would shine brightly in their shared story. Their journey, which began with two young adults navigating the challenges of college, had blossomed into a profound commitment to love and support one another through all of life’s adventures. After their engagement, Dariea moved back to Georgia, where both she and Brian embarked on the pursuit of their Master’s degrees, furthering their education while deepening their bond and preparing for the future they envisioned together.

In 2013, they exchanged vows, sealing their commitment to one another. Their love story is not just about romance; it’s about faith, friendship, and purpose. Over the last 21 years of friendship and nearly 12 years of marriage, they have chosen each other time and again, nurturing their bond through thick and thin. Life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns, and for Dariea and Brian, the journey included years of infertility and pregnancy loss. Despite these challenges, they never wavered in their commitment to one another. Instead, their faith grew stronger, helping them weather every storm together. Each setback only deepened their bond, reinforcing their resolve to support one another through the trials they faced, ultimately transforming their love into an unbreakable foundation.

Today, Dariea and Brian stand as proud entrepreneurs, each passionately committed to serving their communities. Dariea leads her private clinical practice, Journey to Wellness Counseling, LLC, where she strives to break down barriers and create a safe, welcoming space for individuals in the Black community to seek therapy. Additionally, she serves Veterans as a clinician at the Atlanta VA, providing essential care and support. Dariea was also recently named to Marquis Who's Who in America 2025 for her ongoing contributions to the mental health field.
Meanwhile, Brian tirelessly advocates for healing and empowerment through his organization, Rise and Vibe LLC/Mission Manhood, which is dedicated to uplifting Black men and fostering a culture of strength and resilience. In addition to his advocacy work, he actively contributes to the medical field, furthering his mission to create positive change in the lives of those around him. Passionate about his roots in journalism, Brian has authored the impactful book Drop the Weight!: A Guide to Improving Your Mental Fitness in Order to Recognize and Achieve Your Goals, along with several other publications that inspire and motivate readers. Together, they are committed to cultivating wellness and resilience in their communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Through all the ups and downs, they have learned that their foundation is built on Faith and Friendship. They still find joy in life’s simplest moments, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or an adventurous outing. Their story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering commitment, a testament to what can blossom when two people choose to walk through life together.

As they continue this journey, they carry with them the lessons learned at Fort Valley State University, where it all began. Their love story is a celebration of growth, purpose, and the belief that when you choose love, you choose life. Dariea and Brian Stewart, partners in love and purpose, are living life together to the Fullest! We are still two kids that fell in Friendship and grew in Love. Dariea and Brian would emphasize the importance of open communication in relationships, encouraging students to make time for honest discussions about feelings and goals. They would highlight the need for balance, reminding students to nurture their relationships while managing academic responsibilities. Supporting each other’s individual passions is crucial, as is carving out time for fun and shared experiences to strengthen bonds. Flexibility is key in navigating life’s unpredictability, and they would advise students to lean on their support systems for guidance. Practicing patience and forgiveness during conflicts fosters resilience, while investing in personal growth and mental well-being enhances relationship dynamics. Ultimately, they would stress the significance of staying true to one’s values, illustrating that love and education can coexist beautifully, enriching both personal and academic journeys.