Comet Couples Share Stories of Finding Love

There are countless couples who met and bonded on the campus of UT Dallas. Each February, we ask a few of those duos to recount how they met and how becoming a Comet couple changed their lives. Read about their connections – in their own words.

Alaisha & Atiyya

Alaisha Menifee BS’18, who majored in neuroscience, and Atiyya Menifee BA’18, a literary studies major, said their love story started at Recreation Center West (RCW), where both were supervisors. Most of that time the two were just friends, but right before the end of senior year, something happened that permanently tied them to one another.

Both Alaisha and Atiyya joined an RCW intramural soccer team. Alaisha, a talented goalie, played her preferred position; Atiyya played defender. Sadly, their story doesn’t start from hoisting the trophy at the end of the season. Instead, Atiyya made a rookie mistake that cost their team the game and ended their season. Most of the time, losses can tear people apart, but it actually pushed the two together. Alaisha consoled Atiyya, more conversations happened and they’ve never looked back.

A year and a half after graduation, Atiyya proposed. Of course, Alaisha said yes! They’ve spent nearly seven years together and will celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary in June.

Farhin & Tanjim

Farhin Hossain Maisha BS’20 and Tanjim Osman BS’20 met in 2018 at the UT Dallas Bangladeshi Student Organization’s annual dinner. A casual conversation soon turned into an online exchange of messages, where they discovered a deep connection through discussions about their lives, interests and childhood memories. Their relationship flourished, filled with late-night study sessions and unwavering support for each other throughout college. By the time they graduated in May 2020, their bond had only strengthened.

In March 2022, after nearly four years together, Tanjim proposed to Farhin, and she joyfully accepted. Their wedding in May 2022 was a celebration of their journey, surrounded by loved ones who had witnessed their love story unfold. Their relationship became a testament to the beauty of unexpected beginnings and the strength of true companionship.

Raisa & Ashik

Raisa Mahmood BS’19, MS’21 and Ashik Sartaz Ghani BS’17, MS’19 met in 2015 during UTD’s Weeks of Welcome where Ashik was setting up the Bangladeshi Student Organization’s (BSO) table as the group’s vice president, and Raisa was volunteering. Working together on BSO committees, Raisa and Ashik often argued. But they formed one of the most honest, trusted, safe and beautiful friendships at UTD. They shared joy in simple moments together.

Raisa planned to return to Bangladesh after she graduate from UTD, and dating was something she didn’t initially consider. The two eventually started dating in 2019, but their time together at UTD was short-lived when Ashik moved away for a job. After leaving the United States, Raisa received her acceptance for the graduate program at UTD and it felt like fate for her to come back.

With the blessings and presence of both their families, Raisa and Ashik were engaged in December 2020. They finally had their dream wedding filled with love surrounded by all their friends and family in August 2022.

Aishwarya & Yash

Aishwarya Sangle MS’22 and Yash Kotnis MS’22 say their love saga feels as though it was destined to be, and they owe much of it to the university that brought them together.

From starting their first on-campus job to earning teaching assistant positions and securing internships at the same company, the opportunities UT Dallas provided allowed them to grow both individually and as a couple. Each experience — from late-night study sessions to professional milestones — drew them closer and helped shape the bond they share today.

It was here, in this unique environment, that their paths crossed and intertwined, struck by a comet from Cupid, and forming a relationship they will always cherish.

Mehnaz & Tahmid

It was August 2022 when Mehnaz Bhuiyan MS’24 and Tahmid Sohan MS’24 took their first steps into the unknown. Just days after exchanging vows, they embarked on a journey that would change everything as they headed toward a new life at UT Dallas. Little did they know, this place of uncertainty would become their sanctuary — a place where they would finally feel safe. A place where they weren’t just seen, but truly valued, included and appreciated.

The couple experienced countless sleepless nights, juggling part-time jobs and deadlines that never seemed to end. The struggles of balancing newly married life with the pressure of school, finances and finding a place to call home felt overwhelming at times. Fast forward to May 2024,

UTD gave them more than just two degrees — it gave them purpose and strength when they had none. It made them believe in themselves when they didn’t know how. It turned their dreams into reality and taught them that no challenge was too great. The University shaped them, challenged them and made them who they are today. It is the place where they left a piece of their hearts. A place they’ll forever call home. Their home.

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