I met Ana as a middle school student. Yes. That makes me feel old and I don't want to talk about it anymore. Today, she's the kind of woman that students push and shove their way towards so they can catch her attention or be in her small group. She's fun and hilarious and makes you feel like you are the only person who matters when she talks to you. Also, she spent several years consistently dressing up in a bear costume. Not on Halloween. At places you wouldn't expect. Like homecoming.
But beyond just straight charisma, Ana can turn an easy conversation about cats into one weaved with truth, real life, and love. You think I'm exaggerating.
She sees people for who they are.
She wants them to be the best version of themselves.
She looks past the shield of "doing fine" that you try to put up and sees that you aren't, in fact, "doing fine." And is the sort of person who will ask how you really are. And you really want to tell her. And she will really listen.
Ana challenges me just to ask. Ask the questions that I need to. Ask when it's uncomfortable, but necessary. Ask, and then really listen and really care about the answer.
And that's how we arrive at the phrase, "Holla at yo gurl." In a brilliant mix of truth and humor, that's Ana's catch phrase (it isn't. but it describes her well). Typically I've received that message from her via text, preceded by, "if you ever need anything.... holla at yo gurl."
And I know it's true.
This is one of a few entries centered around a new theme.
