Their love story was featured in The New York Times, but the foundation of Maya Felicity Vargas and Justin Corey Mejia’s relationship was laid at Barry University. The two met as undergrads in an Introduction to Communication Law class in 2019. At the time, they were just classmates, exchanging occasional messages. But Barry had already planted the seed.

Fast forward to December 2020, when Maya replied to one of Justin’s Instagram polls which sparked a new connection. Within days, the two were FaceTiming constantly for about 10 hours a day.

Their first date was a casual but meaningful locals-only tour of South Florida. They talked nonstop, shared Chick-fil-A (she insisted on paying), and ended the day with a kiss. “I was scared because I liked him,” Maya admitted. Justin, quiet by nature, was drawn to her energy, confidence, and humor.

What followed was a whirlwind of connection. From bonding over podcasts and food shows to globe-trotting adventures across Europe and the U.S., their love deepened with every shared experience. Both earned their degrees at Barry, Maya in Public Relations and Advertising, Justin in Radio and Television Broadcasting, later completing his MBA in marketing. Their shared start at Barry, and their willingness to grow together, made all the difference.

In March 2024, Justin proposed during a trip to London. They got married on July 12, 2025, four years to the day after they became a couple under the oak trees at Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove.

At Barry, we believe a breakthrough can take many forms. For Maya and Justin, it was finding the perfect partner in a place that nurtured not only their talents but their hearts. For some, breaking through means landing the dream job. For others, it might mean discovering a lifelong passion or in this case, the love of a lifetime.

To read their full love story, check out their feature in The New York Times.