Somebody somewhat unexpected taught me an interesting fact about life. A friend of mine Elsa, taught me without balls and taking risks it’s hard to realize your dreams.

Elsa (currently only 23 years old) traveled from Malaysia to, of all places, Rhode Island where she worked for the past 2 years as a brilliant creative director for Mediaweave.(the previous company I worked for)

Armed with only two suitcases full of clothes and a great head on her shoulders, she accepted a new job - flew around the world and began a new life in Providence, Rhode Island leaving friends and family over 3,000 miles behind her.

Once she finally landed, she made many friends at work and home. When I started at Mediaweave we both realized that we were neighbors. Living only 2 doors away from each other, we began carpooling together and a great friendship.

We talked about a lot of things on our daily travels and we taught each other things. She taught me without risks, life can be boring. I taught her great words like “douche bag” and “dickweed” as I cursed at people whom cut me off when we were driving together.

When I was contemplating changing jobs, leaving a place where I was comfortable for an uncertain future, she told me that sometimes you just got to go for it. Of course she was right, as now I have found a fantastic home with a great team of geeks in Boston and haven’t been happier ever.

Elsa is moving on yet again, re-expressing the ideals that sometimes you have to give a little to gain a lot as she is leaving a brand new set of friends behind.

She is currently stuffing her suitcase full, as she prepares her move to Richmond, VA to begin her long illustrious (and well deserved) career at AOL Time Warner.

I wish Elsa only the absolute best in her career and most importantly, in her life. I know with certainty wherever she goes she will make people smile and impress those she works with.

Elsa manages a award winning personal website, you can see her work and read about her life on ElsaKaWai.com.

Good luck friend, let me know once you get a couch I’ll road test it for you.

Thanks for everything Elsa.