History Really Does Matter!

Upon reading my blog, one might ask, "Where does the nickname 'Aish' come from?" Today, my friends, you find the answer to your question.

It all started during the dark years of junior high...I call it dark because weren't we all a little awkward, ugly, stinky, and confused at that point in our life? I had just sat down in U.S. History when my delightful teacher, Mr. Smith, called role call. "Aishley Nelson?" he called out. I giggled to myself, but managed to say, "Here!" The sweet man (I truly did love the guy--so much, in fact, that I aided for him the following year) could not say Ashley, instead it was always "Aishley."

A good pal, Lindsey Miller South, became friends with me shortly after the "Dark Ages." She just ate this story up (I'm not sure why). Anywho...she began calling me Aishley, and soon the shortened version "Aish" became even more popular. Now much of my fam and many of my closest friends call me Aish without even knowing how the name evolved.

I don't tell you this story to bore you to tears, or even to be self-absorbed in posting a blog entirely about myself. But...imagine the thrill I had today when Mr. Smith and I reunited! I was at school walking my second graders to recess. Then, like a beam of light blazing into my eyes, I see him! Mr. Smith was sitting in the front office of my school waiting to give a history presentation to the fifth graders. Of course, I ran up to him (I had to be sure this was real), shook the man's hand, and reintroduced myself. Did he recognize me? Of course not. Did I look like a crazed fool? Absolutely. But the experience took me back and I couldn't wait to write this down. They say teachers never know the impact they have on their students. In Mr. Smith's case, this is certainly true!