A Seattle College romance: Mai Le and Skye Hobbs

Mai Le, 19, and Skye Hobbs Hobbs, 21, both students at Seattle Colleges, have been dating for eight months. Le is currently studying engineering at Seattle Central College and is considering switching to nursing. Since taking a position in student leadership, she has realized that she greatly enjoys interacting with people and believes that nursing would provide her with an opportunity to impact people through positive interactions. Hobbs is currently studying computer science at North Seattle College. The two met in a physics class at North Seattle College campus, where they had the opportunity to get to know each other better as they already shared the same friend group.

Le says her first impression of Hobbs was that he was “only friends with Americans.” She later realized that Hobbs was very open and friendly to people across all cultures. When asked about Hobbs’s first impression of Le, Hobbs said he thought she was “really smart.” They said that it took them about a year of knowing each other and three months of actually talking before officially dating. Their first date took place during spring break of 2024 when Le took Hobbs to see her housemate, and they spent the evening chatting and playing board games.

For Le, the best part about being in a relationship in college is “having someone on the same page as you,” as they are both in school pursuing academics, thus having “more things in common to talk about.” Hobbs agrees and adds, “having someone who supports you when things get hard is nice.” Le says that ever since she met Hobbs her “life has gotten better,” adding that he has “shown her how to be better.” She also says that Hobbs has shown her that there is more to life than just “school and work.” Hobbs, in turn, says that ever since he started dating Le, he plans more for the future and has paid more attention to the direction of his life. 

When asked how they find time for each other while balancing academic work and friends, Le says that she uses a calendar that helps her prioritize important tasks. That way, she and Hobbs can see where they could sneak in some time with each other, such as doing homework together. Hobbs also mentions that they try to make their hangout sessions “as productive” as possible. Le says that her top priorities are “family, herself, Hobbs, and her friends,” while Hobbs’s top priorities are “family, himself, Le, and his friends.” Additionally, being driven to succeed is a common characteristic that they both share. According to Hobbs, that has helped them to respect each other’s priorities and work. 

For Valentine’s Day, they plan to celebrate each other with gifts, a nice dinner, and most importantly, “studying, because it is mid-term time.” Le advises couples who are on a tight budget to gift their partners something meaningful, and to show appreciation towards them with nonmaterial things. According to Le, it could be something as simple as writing a letter, cooking dinner together, or even saying “I appreciate you.” Le also suggests writing a letter reflection on the good their partner brings and where they could improve.

Le advises other couples to practice healthy communication, as “communication is the key.” She also adds that before bringing up an issue, she first observes her partner to see where his mind is at, which helps her choose the best way and time to discuss it. She emphasizes that it is important to “actively listen” to your partner’s thoughts and “respect” them regardless of whether you agree or not. When asked how she developed such a mature outlook on relationships, she said that Hobbs’s “patience and respect” has positively influenced her. Le admits that communication has not always been their strength, and it is something that they had to practice and develop throughout their relationship. 

Le says that she is the romantic one in the relationship. When asked which song represents their connection, they both say “Eyes Blue Like The Atlantic” by Sista Prod. Le says that being romantic with Hobbs means providing him with “emotional support,” while Hobbs sees romance as making time for Le despite his busy schedule. Their love language is physical touch and quality time, though Hobbs also values gift-giving. One of Hobbs’s most memorable moments in their relationship was over winter break when they went over to his grandparents’ house. He adds that since they rarely get any days off, it gave them an “opportunity to spend some quality time together.” Le says that “every day is memorable with Hobbs,” and that she is “very happy.”

When asked about how they resolve conflicts in a healthy way while also respecting each other’s feelings, Le says they give each other “space to think about it,” and time to reflect on the situation. Hobbs agrees and adds that taking time apart puts them in a better head space to come back and talk about the problem in a healthy way. They both say that their families are very supportive of their relationship, and Hobbs even emphasizes while laughing, that Le is “replacing him” in his own family. Ten years from now, they hope to grow, achieve great things, and travel the world together.