ELISHA

Wow, it's been 10 years since Elisha died.  She was in her early 30's at the time.  Above is a picture of her working at an airshow August 2001.  I was just a few feet away from her when this picture was taken.  Everyone who knew her was devastated when she passed away after a motorcycle accident one month later.

Even though she is gone, I think her life lessons and adventures are valuable to us.  While I can't speak for her, I believe she would think Wise Women is a great idea.  If she were here today, I already would have asked her to be one of our Wise Women speakers.

Elisha was a flight operations dispatch director in the field of aviation which was dominated by men.  Her dream, though, was to be a pilot.  I remember her excitement when she would take flying lessons and then how thrilled she was when she got to fly airplanes for the news and traffic in the mornings.

Not everything in her life was the way she wanted.  In 2001 she was making big decisions and changes.  She chose to let go of her flight operations dispatch director job so she could concentrate on flying more.  In aviation, you need to build up flight hours in your log book.  She was on her way.  She wanted to help women in aviation and below is a picture of the day she helped launch the first Women In Aviation Chapter in Cincinnati.

                                                        March 2001

In the month before the September 2001 fatal accident, I helped Elisha find an apartment.  She chose a wonderful apartment on Floral Avenue in Norwood.  When we toured it she was impressed by the building structure and history, calling it an older lady she could identify with.  That day is very vivid in my mind.  Elisha asked me if she could overcome the mistakes she felt she had made in her life...dreams she'd waited a little too long to pursue...people she'd hurt....  I told her she already was overcoming those things.  And she was.  She was brave and she tackled tough issues.  She was focused on personal course correction and she was following her dreams.  She loved her friends and she'd be there for you when you needed her.

I think she would tell 7th and 8th graders to pursue your dreams right away in life, don't wait.  Believe that you can accomplish what you desire and do not choose other things instead of your dreams.  Time passes too quickly and sometimes life is short.

This is a song Elisha loved that year & it really summed up her changes.  Last week a mutual friend, Jo (another amazing young woman by the way who has gone off to the East Coast and is doing great things in aviation), posted these words and song on facebook:

Elisha, this one's for you. I have never been able to hear this song without thinking of you and knowing that you were truly creating the path to your own happiness. I hope heaven has enough wide open spaces for you!Enjoy, Jo

Song: Wide Open Spaces By the Dixie Chicks

Click above to enjoy the song.  And remember, don't wait.  Pursue your dreams.

Thanks for reading about Elisha,

GSE

Flaws, they make you perfect.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said, wow... I hate my ______. Or I wish I looked like ______.  I'm pretty sure we all have.  Chances are, the trait you are talking about is not a big deal.  If we all looked the same, no one would be unique.  Flaws are unique and unique is perfect.  Some girls I've talked to think that "Their hair is puffy." or "Their freckles are ugly." or "You wish they made potion for dimples to disappear."  I know I'm not the only one that has looked at a magazine and said, "Wow, I really wish I looked like her."  The thing we don't realize is that magazine editors can rip, tear and edit pictures into their form of perfect.  But their perfect is wrong, it's fake.

I know I said everyone is perfect, but many magazine calculations of perfect is wrong.  Perfect isn't blonde hair, blue eyes, plump lips or a size 0.  The correct meaning of perfect is only one thing and that's REAL BEAUTY.  It's not acceptance.  It's being who you are because you know it's beautiful.  I know you've heard this before, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Don't listen to the people in this world that criticize you to the ground.  They have a misconception of beauty. Beauty is you.  Just because you have flaws, doesn't mean you don't have real beauty.  Imperfect is perfect. Just remember that. (:


~Hannah
8th grade

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Hey NMS students!  By now you have to know that our school provides a BUNCH of different after school programs available to every student.  The fee is only $20 and can be paid ANYTIME of the year.  Norwood City Schools District is one of the only schools around here that offer such amazing clubs. The main goal is that you're having fun and doing something you like. 

Are you a creative, artsy person?  Then you might like Jewelry, Unique Crafts, Yarnstormers, Cake Decorating, Creative Clothing, or Floral Design! All of these clubs are proven to be SUPER fun, and you can make great, high quality gifts.  Are you the one everyone goes to for extra help on homework?  Are you the one that has pi memorized to the exact digit?  Do you loooove to make new and exciting characters?  Join Science Maniacs, Newspaper Club, or Teen Fiction Writing Club!  I understand with sports, friends, and little brothers and sisters, it's easy to drop the homework and turn on the t.v. to your favorite show.  Sometimes home is just TOO loud for homework.  That's why Monday-Thursday in the NMS library we have a new addition called the Learning Center.  Here, you don't have to plug your ears or fight with mom and dad about the right answers. The help you need is there! 

Do you like to be in the bright lights? Join Film Production, Drum or Guitar club!  Last but not least....  We all have the times where we just need to get all our energy out, have a good time and burn calories!  You should join Girls Dance Club, Golf Club, Zumba, Cornhole or YMCA club.  No matter what, ladies.  All that matters is that YOU are having a great time!

One last thing, after school clubs help you make friends with the same interests as you. I know this for sure!  After School Programs are a great opportunity and I hope you go for the gold and join something you love!


~Hannah
8th grade