I met Jihee at Facebook and for some reason, we were always in the same pod in the office. We didn't really work together, and I'd always been scared to speak with her, until one day, we were in a lounge at SFO and learned that we were both audiophiles with Sonos products. The last thing she told me before we boarded our flight was to watch Succession, and I think that's the moment we became friends.
Jihee, Bridgit and I have a group chat where we send our daily Wordle scores – one of the few groups that has survived Covid, my New York chapter, my chapter back in Singapore, and even Jihee's return to Australia. Jihee is also one of the fewer than five people who can immediately answer, "What is Janie's dream Wordle word?"
When Singapore started relaxing restrictions during Covid, I remember having a long brunch with her where we talked about a lot of things I no longer remember, except one.
She asked me about my career goals, and more importantly, if there was anything she could do to help me get to where I wanted to be. As much as I seem put-together about my career, I've never had five-year plans. I still don't. So I never know how to answer these kinds of questions. She didn't have to do that for me. But that's Jihee.
In 2022, I was interviewing for another dream role, when I got offered a position in New York. Jihee was one of the first people I called, and our conversations helped me arrive at a decision. Even before that chapter ended, she regularly checked in and reminded me I could ask her for help whenever.
I miss our random brunches in Singapore, and I still have not forgotten that I owe her her first meal at Olive Garden – the least I can do to thank her for all the kindness, and Wordle support, through the years.