Faith and Fate: A Love Meant to Be

NAGI & ASHLEE ELTAYEB

Nagi and Ashlee met in 2004 through mutual friends at the beginning of their freshman year. Throughout that year, a friendship blossomed as they parted ways to explore and enjoy their college experience. They believe that their time apart provided the necessary distance for personal growth and self-discovery, free from the pressures of a romantic relationship.

During this time, they did not keep in contact, dated other people, and embarked on their lives as young adults without crossing paths. It wasn’t until a decade later that fate brought them back together, and their relationship began to evolve. Throughout this period, Nagi fasted and prayed for his soulmate, highlighting the power of faith in guiding our lives.

Having recently moved back to Georgia, Ashlee reached out to Nagi via Instagram, which had become a popular way to reconnect with old friends. They officially started dating, and within three months, they were engaged to be married. Without the university bringing students from different parts of the world together, their love story might not exist. After a wonderful decade of marriage and more to come, they will always be thankful that Fort Valley State University was where their journey began, starting with a casual encounter in front of Boyd Hall.

Wisdom for Today’s Students on Love, Relationships & Balancing School Life

To Fort Valley State University scholars and anyone waiting for love: build your life on the Word of God. It will provide clarity when emotions are clouded and direction when life feels uncertain. Let friendship be the foundation of your relationship. While romantic love can burn bright and fast, true friendship is the steady flame that keeps the fire alive through every season, a comforting truth in the journey of love.