Graduation day brings big plans — and a new chapter — for one KU couple

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Under the sound of the bells and the roar of the crowd, graduation day at the University of Kansas is filled with hugs, photos and proud moments for students and their families.

For one couple, the milestone also marks a turning point in their lives beyond campus.

Viviana Turner and Mike Mijares have been together for six years, dating back to high school. They said that long relationship helped carry them through the biggest transitions — including applying to college and building a life at KU.

“We met in high school, so we’ve been together for six years now,” Turner said.

College turned into dorm life and shared routines, and they said they stayed close as they navigated the pace and pressure of school.

“Yeah, we lived in the dorms… and now we’re here now,” Mijares said.

Now, with graduation behind them, they’re preparing to leave Kansas for a new adventure out of state.

“We’re actually moving to Georgia,” Mijares said, adding that he has a job lined up with Georgia Tech football. Turner plans to use the move as a base while she studies for the MCAT.

“I’m going to medical school so I can work in hospitals, and I want to incorporate different cultures in everything,” Turner said.

Even as they chart out separate goals, they’re moving forward together — one step at a time.

“I’m excited to do big things with her,” Mijares said.

“One step at a time, taking it year by year… as long as I’m doing it with him, and having someone to share my story and share each other’s stories… it’s worth it,” Turner said.