Our Singapore trip to visit Qianhui in the summer of 2012, where we played, explored and ate our way through the country. 

Funny story, Benson almost didn’t make it to the trip because we discovered, just a couple days before our flight, that his passport was about to expire. Thankfully, we managed to get it renewed just in time, but in true Benson fashion, he reassured me that he was going on the trip no matter what and would’ve just “had a talk” with Singapore’s immigration if needed..

I met Benson on the USC badminton team in undergrad, and he quickly became one of my closest friends. I’ll never forget one of our first interactions when I invited him to grab boba with the team, and he replied with, “Yeah, I guess I can hang out with you…” lol. Then he somehow convinced me I had to buy his drink because, as he put it, “You’re supposed to treat me—you’re the Senior, and I’m just a Sophomore.”

Even though I was technically older, it always felt like Benson was the one teaching me. He showed me that Muji pens are the only pens worth using, how to do a backflip ("It’s easy,” he said, “just tuck your legs… nbd"), how to properly dougie, that eating KFC on the roof of a car is the only acceptable way to enjoy fried chicken—and most importantly, to live life with joy, laughter and spontaneity.

Benson, thank you for all the unforgettable memories, life lessons, laughs and most of all, for your wonderful friendship. I miss you buddy.

I first met Benson during my sophomore year at USC. We became friends while working on a group project together, bonding over our shared love for Big Bang’s music, pho, and Korean BBQ. Though he often complained about my clumsy English, he was always there to help me — a truly kind and thoughtful friend.

I was hoping to visit the U.S. next summer for the first time in ten years and introduce him to my beloved son. But maybe God missed Benson even more than I did…

Benson, you were always someone who inspired me, someone I wanted to be like. I hope you’re now resting peacefully, free from pain. You’ll always be my amazing friend.