In 2014, Nicole started teaching at a charter school in Newark. The evening before the first day of school, Nicole wanted to take some items to school in preparation for the school year. Upon arriving at the school, a security officer came walking across the parking lot asking if she needed help. If you know Nicole, she's a teacher with 'a lot of resources'. She had to make several trips. She agreed to allow the security officer to help her. That was the beginning of their friendship. Every day they spoke and had small conversation.

Towards the end of 2015, the security officer, affectionately known as Ish, was preparing for a career change. He decided to go for it and ask Nicole out. Nicole was adamant about not dating people she worked with. His response was, "Well, I'm leaving in January. I won't work here anymore." 

At that moment, Nicole knew he at least deserved a chance. They've been together ever since.