We met in Annika's hometown, on this beach, 10 years ago as two Americorps volunteers in the Ocean Beach School District.

Kaiah moved from southern Illinois, and was new in town.

Annika moved home for a gap year, after graduating from university.

We met in the school library during their first trainings as volunteers.

Annika decided the position at her alma mater Ilwaco High School was not the right path for her, and instead she began serving tables at SALT Hotel & Pub down the street.

Kaiah excelled in his position, helping teach STEM classes and physical education at Ilwaco Middle School.

But when he noticed Annika had stopped showing up to work, he knew where to find her - pouring beer and mixing cocktails behind the bar at the SALT Hotel & Pub.

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