Dear Ajara, my best friend
Letter from Nawoon
Dear Ajara,
I don't know where to start from, but Ajara, I will deeply miss you from the bottom of my heart. I am currently at the loss of words, but I will always think about you day and night. At the place you are at now, I will pray every day that you are no longer in pain and for you to no longer have to go through any sufferings. And I cannot fathom the fact that I can no longer hear your voice, text you, call you, and meet up with you. You have been my best friend since fifth grade, and you will always be my best friend for life.
I should've known we were fated to be best friends since the day you walked into math class. We were designated to the same math table, and we sat diagonal from each other. From that day on, our friendship spiraled out of control. We were partners for the science project, and do you remember that we had such a weird idea to feed different vitamins to plants? That was odd, but our creativity was spot on. Then sixth grade happened, and here came the 6th grade drama! It was fun times and us three with Lidia were the trio that no one was able to break. I was always so mad that I wasn't included in the nice table you and Lidia were sitting in, and fussed all day long. I even always teased you that you were two left feet whenever you walked into walls, and you always laughed it off. Our friendship never died, and I have so many memories of you that I will hold onto forever. You were the only person who kept calling me Woonzie, and I really treasure that nickname.
I would also like to emphasize that you are the type of friend who would always listen to me. I would always come to you to rant, and you were always there for me. You were the friend who helped me practice for my job interview as I was so nervous. You were the friend who drove me places as I couldn't drive. You were the friend who listened to my obsession of BTS. You were the friend who came to my workplace in NYC so we can eat dinner and go back home together. You were the friend who in the summer before I went to college went with me to NYU so I can navigate my way around the campus, and helped me get my school ID.
You were so adventurous, courageous, humble and strong. There's not enough adjectives to describe how great of a person you were, and I always learned from you. You were the friend that I've always bragged about as I was so proud of you, and was so happy to have you as a friend.
I've always imagined that we would be friends forever and ever. I imagined that when I get married to have you as my bride's maid, and even imagined our kids to be BFFs. But Ajara, I believe there will be a time one day that I'll be able to meet you again when you're all healthy and sound. You are my confidant, and I will always be yours. I miss you dearly.
Sincerely,
Nawoon Yoon
Letter from Lidia
Dear Ajara,
I hope when you are reading this letter you don’t notice any grammatical errors. I remember
how much you loved to read and write. I cannot deny that your writing abilities had always
surpassed mine and for that I admired what you had to teach. I remember how much fun we
used to have when we were younger. You were always the peace maker of the group. Your
kindness radiated and intelligence never went unnoticed. You laughed along with some of the
crude jokes our little group told to one another even though these were jokes you could never
utter yourself. It was always a joy to see that you could not give one playful insult to any of us
because that’s just the type of kind person you were. No one could ever change that about you
and I am glad no one has. Our memories in Mrs. Garcia’s class will always be one of my
favorites because we were the happiest. We had spent the innocent part of our years watching
you grow into this shy but assuring woman who I knew, without a doubt, would leave an
impact. Although you leave us early, that impact has not diminished. I hope you know that
those of us, who were lucky to have met you, will never forget you. We will never forget your
words of wisdom, your support, and your humility. I myself could only hope to meet someone
who was just as sweet-hearted as you. My heart is numb knowing that I could not see you before your illness took over but I am also happy that you are no longer suffering with pain
because you did not deserve that. I miss you so much and I wish you the best as you look over
us and your family. One day the trio will reunite once more and it will be just like old times but until then rest in peace.
Love,
Lidia R
Letter from Nalee
Dear Ajara,
Today has been a terrible day for me. Frankly, I questioned a lot of things in life today as soon as I heard the news. Because, I do not know why such a thing has happened to someone like you. I always defined you as the purest, strong and optimistic person or friend that one can ever ask for. You were that person to my sister, Nawoon. When you two spent hours upstairs in Nawoon’s room laughing and talking, I really envied such friendship every time. Today, I thought of so many things that you two share. I honestly feel like you will walk into my house asking, “How’s everything with you, Nalee?” with your beautiful smile like you did last time I saw you. I feel like it was yesterday. Ajara, the pain that I feel today is unbearable thinking you had to go through such struggle. However, I really want you to know that you were always in our prayers day and night. I also realized, how you really are a big part of my family and my sister’s lives. You were always there during my sister’s important life events. I am terribly saddened to even think that you may not physically be there with us in the future. But I am also very grateful that you were there to share so many memories with her and us. Ajara, I never got a chance to tell you this, but you really boosted my self-esteem on my humor. You were the ONLY one to laugh at my lame jokes that my sister didn’t even bother to pay attention to. I still cannot believe that you are not with us anymore but our memories of you will always be in our hearts.
p.s. the picture I am attaching was taken by me in 2019. It was a hot summer day and I caught you and my sister on the deck trying to escape from the sunlight and heat. I thought you two looked very cute! Sorry, I actually took this picture without your consent but I know you would understand.
Love,
Nalee
Letter from Myrna
Dear Ajara,
The news of your passing came as a shock to me today and I’m devastated
to hear it. I can’t seem to find the words to express my sadness, and I can’t
even begin to wrap my mind around it. I can’t believe the world lost such a
beautiful soul. You deserved to live a long, happy and fulfilling life, but you
were taken too soon. I’ll miss our outings and the fun hangouts we had.
From almost freezing ourselves waiting in line for 3 hours just to see an
exhibit in NYC, to trying to be amateur photographers and models at the
park, to making funny hats using towels at the spa. You made even the
most mundane settings fun with your presence and our conversations. I
hope these memories made you as happy as they made—and continue to
make—me. I remember how you would help me learn new vocab words
from my books during lunch in middle school, since your reading level was
so much higher than mine. I always admired your intelligence and knew
you would make it far. You had achieved so much already and were still on
your way to bigger and better things. Ever since I met you, you were
nothing but fun, caring, and generous. Your happiness and positivity were
infectious, and I’m thankful that I will have our memories to cherish and
look back on. Although I’ll still miss you very very much, I hope you’re in a
better place, and I’m grateful you don’t have to suffer any longer.
You were the sweetest, kindest, most optimistic person I knew, and I was
devastated to even hear that you were sick. You were, and continue to be,
always in my thoughts and prayers. The purest and kindest people are
always the ones taken from us, and it was my honor to even know you—let
alone be lucky enough to call you my friend. Rest in Peace Ajara, I will miss
you more than you know, but I am grateful that your memory will forever
live in my heart.
Until we meet again!
Love,
Myrna
In memories of Ajara
From Amin Khan
I only personally knew Ajara back in Hillers (Elementary) school, and I remember we had a few classes together. She was always smiling and very kind to me. It was so long ago, but I remember it was maybe 1rst or 2nd grade we had a play that we practiced for weeks and weeks. I was the king and she was the queen and we both worked together along with the rest of the team to be prepared to present the play in front of a huge audience. I remember how smooth and easy it was to work together as she was always prepared and knew her lines for the role. I on the other hand would have to try to keep up and make sure I didn't mess up my lines so we didn't have to retake. Either way whenever I would mess up, Ajara wouldn't hesitate and just replay the scene perfectly and was always positive and encouraging. That's one memory I could remember of her all the way back from elementary school. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I just knew how genuine and sweet of a person she was all the way back then.
Remembering Ajara
by Rachel Chiu
Good morning, I read Rachel Kwak's post about Ajara and wanted to reach out to you. I am deeply saddened by Ajara's passing and hope my memory of her can provide some comfort in a very dark time.
During our first year at Cornell, Ajara and I lived on the same floor in Balch Hall. I was having a difficult time adjusting to the new academic and social environment, but Ajara was always kind-- even when I was stressed and tired. I remember eating with her a few times in the dining hall, and that she always stopped to chat with me in the hallway. Even after we left Balch, we would still catch up whenever we saw each other. She was bright and brilliant. I am confident that her light will persist in the many people she impacted.
One day adventure
by Marcela Lombardo
I met her only once or twice, but we had a lot of fun together when we did! I remember when we went to the park together and we climbed up to the top of the jungle gym type thing, and the bottom was made out of rope, and you made some rando take a picture of the three of us ️ That's probably one of my favorite memories! I had so much fun that day with Ajara and you.
Letter for Ajara
from Emily Lien
Hey Aj,
I don’t remember the exact moment we met but I remember eating meals at the dining hall freshman and sophomore year that turned into eating hot pot at my apartment senior year, watching plays together at Schwartz, laughing and joking, and talking about the future. You had so many ambitions and plans for the future. The last time I saw you in-person you were thinking about returning to Chicago, thinking about buying a house, all of these plans. It’s too much that these plans were stripped away from you, too young, too soon.
Unfortunately, I don’t take many photos but this one was one of my favorite memories. A snowstorm hit Ithaca and classes were shut down for the first time since 1997. The ski club set up a small ramp and rope. Everyone was using what make-shift materials they had to sled down the slope: cardboard boxes, the plastic container that comes with a bed set, etc. Luckily, Shelley and I had a sled so we were able to ride like the bourgeoisie.
Asides from this snowstorm photo, my only other Aj keepsake is the thank you letter you wrote me senior year. I’ve kept it by my desk and seeing it now, in light of everything, brings up a whole different set of emotions. Aj you are kind, funny, smart, generous, easy-going, independent, and a great friend.
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In Loving Memory of Ajara
Livvy and Jamie Cashen
Good evening,
We were deeply, deeply saddened by the news this morning. It is with a very heavy heart that my brother and I sat down to reflect on the time we both were lucky enough to spend with Ajara at Cornell.
We had the pleasure of working with Ajara at Cornell’s management library. Ajara greeted us with a warm smile every single shift. She had a way of lighting up any room she entered and made even the longest shifts fun. No matter how stressful the semester was getting or how many assignments she had due, Ajara would always ask us how our day was going. She had a way of making everyone around her feel comfortable and important. She was a genuine listener.
Our heart goes out to her family and everyone she touched. Ajara's warmth, smile, and sense of humor will be very missed.
Sending love,
Livvy and Jamie Cashen
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Letter to Ajara
from Serina
Dear Ajara,
I do not even know where to begin. I feel like I had such little time to spend with you, yet you have helped me in so many ways, and I don’t just mean calling the Lyft driver on the phone for me when we were struggling to find our way out of that concert on my 21st birthday because I hate talking on the phone! Before I had met you, I was set in a dull routine of classes, eat, sleep, repeat. Then, Gita told me she had a friend from Cornell staying in Chicago for a while and asked me to show you around. I’ll never forget the first time we hung out, it felt like you were the one showing me around since I didn’t go out much nor have I ever heard of the Full Moon Fire Jam. Usually, if I went out, it was always before it got too late, but since you were new to the city, I thought it would be fun to accompany you. To this day, I am so glad I did. Not only was that a fun show to watch but it was the starting point of our friendship. After that, I had become more willing to adventure out more rather than sticking to the main places and routines I knew. While I am glad you were there for some of those adventures, I really wish you were apart of more. However, time and place were not always on our side living states away. But when you visited, I always made sure to see you! I am so glad I got to show you around Chicago (and vice versa) as well as be there for your first trip to Aurelio’s Pizza where we all drooled over that deep-dish cookie. You have helped me live life more energetically and showed me how kind and generous people can be. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have known you, so I will simply just thank you for all that you have done. Rest in peace.
Love,
Serina
Letter to Ajara
from Sidney Lok
Dear Ajara,
I am in such shock hearing this news, and my heart is grieving for the loss of such a bright, funny, loving, and kind sister. I met you in one of our very first EnvE classes together. We were both reserved and still finding our way at Cornell. Over the years, we have seen each other grow up as we continued on as classmates. Whenever I saw that you were in one of my classes, I lit up because I knew I would have a great friend by my side. That is precisely the kind of person you are; I know you to be someone who uplifts and gives unceasingly. It was amazing finally getting to graduate last year. What an awesome day that was. I know how hard you worked all those years and I know how God had blessed you since. You have made such a huge impact in the lives of those around you, and will be remembered always. I love you so much dear sister and I miss you immensely. I know you are home with the Lord now and I hope to meet again someday. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
With so much love and affection,
Sidney
In loving memories of Ajara
by Steven Lopez
I met Ajara in elementary school and I can genuinely say she was one of my first friends in life. She was so sweet and so kind, I ended up meeting her through the chance of being paired together to do a small play but it ended up being so much fun and we ended up becoming good friends. When I was a kid I was very shy and it wasn’t easy coming out of my shell but Ajara was so warm and friendly without even knowing me because that’s just who she was, she befriended me immediately and it made me look forward to going to back each and every day. It was that tenderness that truly encapsulated her interactions with everyone, not just myself, and I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to meet her.
Years later I went to college and ended up back in that unfamiliar place of not knowing anyone and going some place new. Then what are the odds that I go to the dining hall and see Ajara there once more. We sat down and caught up and once again she made me feel so at home and safe. She spent the rest of those years not only focusing on school but spending her free time helping those less fortunate around the globe. The world truly lost an amazing human being.
I was heart broken to hear of her passing this morning and I know that she is in a better place. I pray for her eternal rest and for the hearts of her family and her closest friends.
Letter to Ajara
by Princess Gordon
Dear Ajara,
I don’t even know what to say. You were such a kind person. During senior year of high school we met during our visit to Cornell and that day, I considered you my very first Cornell friend. It was so refreshing to meet you. I was really nervous about the people that would be at Cornell and you helped ease my nerves with your sweet demeanor and laugh. You helped make the decision of choosing between Cornell and Tufts a lot easier and I’m glad that you chose Cornell over Carnegie Mellon. You were so nice to everyone and made the people around you feel comfortable. I will never forget when we called Appel commons “Apple Commons” when we were asking for directions, and I would not have chosen another person to meet that day. I’m so happy to have met you and I know that you are in a better place because you deserve the best.
Love,
Princess
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Letter to Ajara
Love Esther
Ajara!
It’s Christmas. Day #4 without you. The tears haven’t stopped, and I don’t think they ever will. No matter how many times my brain tries to process everything, the only result I find is a deep numbness. I’ve been scrambling to find any pieces that you left with me; greeting cards, poorly lit photos, a 13 year old coffee stained doodle we both worked on. Do you remember our Super Corky comics? I found yours the other day. It barely made any sense but I still have it after all these years.
I am forever grateful for every moment with you, but I wish we had been able to remember to take more pictures. “Next time” is no longer an option and if I think too much about it, it fxxking hurts. I wish I had taken more videos and longer videos of your laugh, your smile, and your happiness.
We were together almost every Saturday for over 10 years, but I still wish we had made more plans to see each other. I wish I hadn’t been such a lazy kid who skipped all the adventurers and pathfinders meetings because then I could have spent more time with you. I also wish we had gone to the same school at least once, just so I could have had more time with you. Sometimes, I get so jealous of those who were able to see you almost every day in class.
I hate that I never got to say goodbye. I would do anything to at least give you one last hug. I hate that you’re gone. I hate that I spent so many days doing nothing when I could have being doing something with you. I regret all the solo trips I took without even trying to invite you. I regret filling my days with concerts and only telling you about them when I should have been dragging you along.
Remember that one time when I was acting like a crazy person outside of the metlife gate so I could find you and give you and Marie my extra One Direction tickets? Even when I went around completely bonkers as a fangirl, you were still my best friend. I was always happy to share one of my crazy stories if it made you laugh and smile. You always brought out the best of me.
There was so much we had planned...I will never forgive what this year put us through. You deserved so much better. I will always miss you and promise to tattoo you close to my heart and by my side. I still plan to celebrate your birthday every year and already have a photo of you picked out to take with me wherever I go.
To my unforgettable, beautiful, lovely, wonderful, brilliant, best friend-
Love you always and forever!
Your Favorite Clown, Esther
Letter for Ajara
by Isaac Elysee
To Ajara:
Thank you for the years of friendship and for putting up with my antics. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you since the beginning of college. I am grateful for the time you spent trying to make me enjoy nature and hiking and the time you spent training me in more efficient dishwashing. Walking the Cascadilla Gorge Trail with you is one of my best-preserved and favorite memories from college. I thank God for the five years we were given to talk, laugh, eat, quibble about whether New Jersey or New York is better, go places, and pray together. Your life was a radiant display of selflessness, kindness, gentleness, and joy. You have left a lasting impression on me and you will be greatly missed, Ajara.
Isaac (Incline)
Letter to Ajara
from Nana
The Best Ajara,
I know where to begin, with your vibrant smile. You used to smile so much and you used to make me smile even more than I made you smile as hard as I tried. I will miss the look you gave me when I said something corny or not remotely funny and the look you gave me everytime I saw you even before we said any words.
I miss you Ajara. I cannot feel because you were not supposed to leave us this soon. You were a big sister to me and a little sister at the same time. The first year I met you, I messed up your name so many times, pronouncing it as ah-jah-rah instead of ah-jah-ray even though you corrected me so many times. You were my favorite person to bug because I knew I would get a snarky smile out of you no matter how mad you were at me.
The times we shared will never be forgotten. I spent many car rides next to you because we lived the closest so we always got picked up together for church. One of the the best times was when we were getting picked up in Collegetown and you finished early while I had just woken up to get ready for church. It was raining and you had to wait in my house because your umbrella broke during the wet and cold morning outside. We shared many good laughs that day and you even ended up bonding with my housemate who also happened to be in the engineering school with you. You were always a shining light and will remain brighter than ever in our lives long after we meet again someday.
At church, you were a powerful voice in our college choir. The melody will never be the same without you. I remember all the times I tried to abandon my bass or tenor line so I could sing whatever note you were singing. I simply wanted the opportunity to sound as good as you or alternatively mess up the song just as you suspected. Who is going to make sure we time our notes correctly when the beat drops next? Our ACF family is incomplete without you and we carry forward in our hearts, the pieces of your good heart that you never failed to give unconditionally to us.
This is the hardest letter I never thought I'd have to write. I cherish you and the amazing memories you left me and the world with over your blessed and impactful lifetime. I am humbled to say I had the privilege and honor of walking alongside Ajara the kindest soul, the brilliant scholar, the sonorous musician and the caring sister and friend. Rest easy dear.
Letter to Ajara
from Wei Liu
Dear Ajara,
I met you through Operation DEEP at Cornell. The first thing I noticed about you was your amazing smile. It was genuine and so contagious. You smiled with your whole soul and I admired that so much. Ajara you are deeply missed by so many people. The world is worse off without you in it, but I also hope you know that you influenced so many people’s lives for the better. For me, I want to be able to carry on your optimism and spirit into everything I do. I remember whenever we had an event or meeting for Operation DEEP, you would always come up with such great ideas to fix the problem at hand. I remember you designed those stickers for us and I was amazed at how cute they are but you were still so humble about it. You were so talented in so many ways. You radiated positivity and it rubbed off on everyone else. Your passion was also something I loved about you, you truly cared about the world and our cause. I am so sorry you were suffering but I hope you found some peace. I’m not a very religious person but some part of me hopes I get to see you again. Rest in peace Ajara.
Love,
Wei
