Being a warm spirit to others was my calling

I used to live in a small town, which sometimes felt lonely. After my first day of 4th grade I made a trip to a dog shelter that not only saved a dog’s life, but also greatly changed mine. My dog Cooper became my “turn-to-guy” and made my town not feel quite as small. Whenever I needed a warm spirit to encourage my continuing on in life’s ups and downs, Cooper was there looking up at me. When I was sad Cooper could tell. Cooper taught me about the power of presence; sometimes I wasn’t in search of a fix but just of someone to listen and to be open to the fact that I was emotional. This feeling of overwhelming support was too wonderful to discontinue. As I searched for my purpose I found that being a warm spirit to others was my calling; yet, growing up, I felt labelled as ‘shy’ and therefore felt limited in my potential to impact the lives of those around me. What if, however, words weren’t directly correlated to amount of support or depth of connection? I aspire to be there for others and provide therapy and encouragement in times of emotional trauma. The honesty and vulnerability shared in times of these mental health checks should be met with none other than a listening ear and a willingness to genuinely and actively just be there. Intentionality rather than self-centeredness drives the person I am and the way in which I wish to serve my neighbors. I want to care so immensely for others that it is noticeable and too wonderful to discontinue. A chain reaction of kindness and community could change a life, or many. My niche for being an active listener may label me as quiet or as someone with little to say but I am loud and bold in the ways I choose to serve, tend to, and connect with others. I am Brianna Buslach and I have the heart of a dog; I strive to love others more than myself and to be a supportive spirit that never leaves someone without a companion by their side.