Haewon Jeon Email & Phone Number

I started out as a philosopher. I got my Ph.D. at Northwestern and was good at what I did. I received fellowships for 3 years and published in a top-ranking journal before I even graduated. After I taught for a few years, I wanted something different and got into professional cooking. It was the funnest job I’ve ever had. I loved alternating between the quiet, detailed-oriented prep time and the intense, busy service hours. I learned so much about working and communicating with people in a highly stressful, fast-paced environment. I learned to keep a cool head and be organized no matter what. I loved my fun-loving, passionate co-workers. I also found out that, as much of a geek as I was, I had a gumption that could impress even the toughest cooks. But once I had made the sous chef, I didn’t know where to go. I didn’t want to be a chef because I would have no work-life balance, but I also knew I couldn’t be happy without constant growth. That’s when my friends started telling me to try coding even though I knew nothing about computers. They kept saying, “Who takes advanced logic classes for fun? You also talk like an engineer. Just try it!”I am really glad I eventually listened. I love that I get to use the analytical side of my brain and challenge myself constantly. I love that the field is so vast and filled with opportunities that I will never run out of room to learn and grow. What I found most surprising is how much I love the people. Everyone’s been so welcoming and kind, generous with their time and wisdom. It has been such a pleasure building relationships with people who were complete strangers not so long ago.