Vikram is my older brother, best friend, and I guarantee he will be the first one out on the dance floor…while also being the last one to leave. When he’s not working (very rarely), Vikram is protective, considerate, and he loves to have a good laugh after a rather lame and corny joke. I have always admired Vikram and am thankful to have followed in his foot steps since we were in boarding school. He’s looked out for me since Day 1 and I can’t wait to hear his best man’s speech…AV all the way!
If you wanted to find out what I was like in college, nobody could give you a better answer than Sachit. We were inseparable those days either watching sports, eating sushi, or playing video games. As we grew up a little bit, we shared new experiences traveling to different parts of the world and we launched Coordin8 together. ‘Sach’ is one of the most loyal and personable people I know and he’s always been someone I can count on. Listen closely to one of his jokes because if you repeat it 10 seconds later and a little bit louder, you’re sure to get the reaction he had hoped for.
Ish and I probably know each other better than anybody else in our lives. Being cousins and living close by, Ish and I grew up together where we would spend summers annoying Vikram, diving for pennies, and watching VCR reruns of Power Rangers. Fast forward to present day, Ish is one of the smartest people I know and he’s also one of the wittiest to. So many memories over the years, Ish is always a joy to be around and you never know what to expect out of him next!
Neel is my future brother in law who I have gotten really close to in the past 18 months. He’s welcomed me as a part of his family since we first met and he always makes himself available for when I need to vent about his sister :). Neel is energetic, kind-hearted, and ambitious. I love his youthful spirit and how I can always convince him to join me in random adventures throughout Chicago. I couldn’t have asked for a better younger brother to be a part of my new family.
Akuei is someone who I became close to about 7 years ago. I knew we would become fast friends when we spent 5+ hours watching NBA league pass and I realized he knew more about the players than me. Since then, we’ve had debates, laughs, and countless memories across many cities and even when he’s made terrible basketball predictions, Akuei always carries a positive energy. He’s one of the most humble and caring people I know and he always makes himself available to listen and share wisdom.
Ajou aka “Juice” is the life of the party. The first time I met this guy he seemed like he was just a calm reserved guy. Had an old-school vibe and a distinct laugh. Little did I know he has more dance moves in his repertoire than anybody and he can drink more Jack Daniels than anybody else (sorry Adam). I’m forever grateful to have Juice in my life as he’s always down to have a good time no matter whose around or where he is. Word of advice, don’t ask him how tall he is.
Luol is someone I admired from afar being a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan. He can probably tell you better than anyone how nervous I was the first time I met him. It didn’t take long for those nerves to turn into jokes that have never really stopped happening. Luol has a huge heart and is someone who is always aware of the big picture, appreciates life for how great it is. He is also too competitive..no matter the nature of the competition. Don’t beat him at FIFA because you’re not letting go of the controller until he beats you 3 times in a row.
Jacob, aka Texas Thunder, looks like he’s one of the most intimidating, bad ass people on the planet. When he’s not lifting over 500 pounds in the gym, he’s actually one of the nicest and most respectful individuals you’ll ever meet. I’ve gotten to know Jacob very well since he took me under his wing in learning about fitness. That tutelage hasn’t stopped at just the gym as Jacob often challenges me to think from new perspectives. He’s a coach in more ways than one..just don’t leave weights laying around and you’ll enjoy his company.
The first time I met Adam I thought he was a jack in the box. Adam was pulling pranks on everybody around and he was obnoxious as can be. But when you peel back the layers, you’ll see that Adam is one of the most protective people out there. He’s selfless and attentive while defining what a brotherhood stands for. He’s going to remember every single moment from our wedding and chances are he’s going to tell you the same story about it at least 10 times over while we’re there.
Steve, otherwise known as Asteve, is another friend I have gotten to know through Basketball. We have spent more than enough hours discussing our shared passion for the game to drive our significant others crazy. Outside of the NBA Group Chat, I have looked up to Steve as a role model for the endless commitment he has to empower kids in the South Sudanese community as well his ability to balance work and home life. Steve can be reserved at times but don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you..debates can escalate quickly when you challenge him on his British terminology.
With the two of us being local to Chicago from our large group of friends that live across the world, I’ve gotten to know Byron pretty well over the last few years. Byron is one of the most level headed and observant people you will ever meet. He’s inquisitive in nature and he’ll go out of his way to help you with something just to learn something new. Despite being a loyal friend, don’t let him fool you. Byron can be an assassin with his quick & creative meme-making ability. #BeCareful