Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention.
But as the years passed, I began to see Rustam in a new light. Through his loyalty, persistence, and his silly antics, he taught me lessons I never expected—lessons that have shaped my leadership and personal growth.
One of the biggest challenges of leadership is managing stress, especially in moments when things feel overwhelming. Watching Rustam taught me that stress is natural but temporary. Whether he was chasing his tail in frustration, barking at nothing, or struggling to catch his favorite rope toy, Rustam always bounced back with enthusiasm. He reminded me that even when things don’t go perfectly, it’s okay to pause, shake it off, and try again. His resilience inspired me to approach challenges with the same determination, whether it was tackling finals week at school or managing my responsibilities as part of a team.
Rustam also helped me combat burnout. On days when schoolwork, extracurriculars, and leadership roles felt like too much, I found peace in simply walking him. Those moments were like hitting a mental reset button. Walking through the neighborhood or at a park with Rustam reminded me to slow down, take deep breaths, and focus on the little things—like his wagging tail or the crunch of leaves underfoot. It became my way of recharging and learning to balance productivity with self-care, which is essential for any leader.
Perhaps the most unexpected way Rustam shaped my leadership was through public speaking. I’ve always been nervous speaking in front of others, but starting in fourth grade, I found a way to practice with Rustam as my audience. He didn’t judge or interrupt, and somehow, his silent, steady presence made me feel more comfortable with public speaking. Over time, practicing with him helped me find my voice, improve my delivery, and overcome my fear of speaking in public. Even now, as a freshman in high school, I still rehearse speeches with Rustam sitting by my side, as he’s become sort of my secret confidence booster.
Leadership is about connecting, adapting, and finding ways to grow. Rustam taught me all of that and more. He might just be a dog, but to me, he’s also a mentor, a coach, and a constant reminder that leadership can come from the most unexpected places—even from a fluffy Siberian Husky with a knack for bringing out the best in me.
