A soul of true greatness does not improve others by telling them what to do and not to do. Instead, such a soul simply presents its most genuine, welcoming, and authentic self. A beacon we sail towards. A role model we look up to.
Others, as if drenched in sunlight, shall forsake their negativities and endeavor to become their better selves. Brianna is undoubtedly a soul as such.
I had the privilege of getting to know Brianna as a Chinese international student studying at University of Denver back in 2017, by joining her Wellness Living and Learning Community.
As someone who uprooted and replanted himself in unfamiliar soil on the other side of the world, I would had certainly feel lonely and unconfident. But Brianna deemed it not to be.
Brianna understands that the best way to care for someone is to simply “be there.”
When I was just a freshman, Brianna comforted me as I was crying for homesick. I still remember that she smiled gently and said, you can always let it out in front of me.
When I challenged myself to attend the first business idea pitching competition in my life, Brianna provided me with crucial guidance to improve my idea’s design and secure the first place.
When COVID struck, Brianna met with me twice in person and more than twice on phone just to encourage me to keep going on.
When I graduated from DU and started working at a hotel in Denver. Brianna was the only friend from DU that paid me two surprise visits at work with Mr. Reyes.
Brianna is gifted with a rare specialty and quality. She garnishes a plain moment with her impeccable taste of theatricality and authenticity to make it enduring and unforgettable.
On 2018, I had appendicitis unexpectedly and went to surgery. Brianna, after inquiring about my condition, urged every other member of the Wellness Living and Learning Community to write me a blessing note, which I kept till today.
On 2022, upon my imminent departure to Canada, Brianna invited me to The Perfect Landing Restaurant by the Centennial Airport, Denver. She told me: “it would be nice for us to have farewell dinner while watching planes taking off. After all, your life is about to take off into the next chapter, just like these planes.”
On 2024, I wanted to buy one of Brianna’s camera backpack. Yet, Brianna was willing to give it to me, with me paying no extra charge but the UPS delivery fee. Furthermore, she made this backpack a portable surprising scavenger hunt by sliding hand-written notes in every corner and pocket. When I opened the backpack, I gasped over and over again: “Wait, there’s one more? There’s still more? Brianna what have I done to deserve to run into someone like you.”
Another reason that I could never thank Brianna enough is that for every gift, emotional moment, or words of affirmation that you sincerely deliver to her, she will reciprocate with the same fashion. Every time I prepare appreciation videos, social media posts, or gifts for her, she always thanks me for my time and effort, while preparing something valuable to me in return.
I am far from perfect, self-centered, ignorant, and irrational in many ways. But I would never forgive myself if I say or do anything bad to Brianna.
Brianna will always be remembered by me and my families back in China. When I return to visit them, on our reunion dinner, 11 people on the other side of the world shall raise the cups to honor her gracefulness.
Thank you Brianna, for the past eight years of kindness, care, and generosity.
We will miss you. I will miss you.
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