From classmates to soulmates: A Valentine's Day love story

At NWTC, students don’t just gain an education – they build careers, forge friendships, and sometimes even find lifelong partners. That was the case for Alanna and Elijah Shefchik, two Marketing graduates whose journey at NWTC helped shape both their professional and personal lives.

A connection develops 

In 2022, Alanna and Elijah Shefchik met in one of their marketing classes called Professional Presentations. Elijah said it was love at first sight, but Alanna made the first move by starting a conversation.

They were both members of NWTC’s American Marketing Association (AMA), where Alanna was president and Elijah was vice president. AMA is a club that focuses on professional and personal development as well as networking for professional and student marketers. For Elijah, joining the club wasn’t just about gaining leadership and marketing experience – it was about being able to talk to Alanna more.

Alanna Shefchik (second from the right) and Elijah Shefchik (second from the left) standing with other members of NWTC’s American Marketing Association (AMA), including their club advisor, Lisa O’Halloran (middle).

The connection between the two grew stronger as they spent more time together, and on October 18th, 2022, they began dating. On their first date, they ate at Chick-fil-A and Smart Cow – two of their favorite spots to this day. Over the next year, they shared many fun dates, including ice skating and attending concerts. 

Taking life’s next steps together

In 2023, Alanna graduated from NWTC’s Marketing program, followed by Elijah in 2024. Both were drawn to the program for its hands-on learning and flexibility. 

“I love how much [the program] prepares you for the future, and how attainable it is to progress in both your personal and school life simultaneously,” Alanna said. “Because the schooling was flexible, Elijah and I were able to work and prepare for our future at a younger age than usual.” 

After graduating and beginning their marketing careers, the Shefchiks got engaged in Door County on June 29, 2024. Later that year, on October 19, they eloped to Tennessee surrounded by their beloved Great Smoky Mountains and their closest family and friends, including Alanna’s grandpa who married them.

The Shefchiks at their wedding in Tennessee.

Looking back at their time at NWTC, they had the same favorite memory – participating in AMA and growing the club together. 

Currently, Alanna is the marketing manager at a Shefchik family company, Waseda Farms, an organic farm that raises and sells grass-fed cattle, pork, and eggs. She hopes to continue to excel and grow in her career. Meanwhile, Elijah works in marketing and sales at All Pack Supply, where he is excited to help grow the small family business. 

In the future, the couple says, “We plan on buying land or a place within the next few years. As for now, we’re currently enjoying our time together and travelling!”  

The Shefchiks are also planning for their wedding celebration in June 2025, where family and friends will join them in celebrating their marriage.