She's a young woman who admits she likes to push herself, likes to take on new challenges and feels that maybe some day she can make a difference in a leadership role either in business or politics. With those lofty ambitions, Elusha Baird is striking out in both those directions, and since she's just 17, she has time to sort her priorities.
Elusha is a Grade 12 student at Lampman School and is president of their Student Representative Council. She has fast-tracked her classes by taking advantage of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division's Cyberstone online classes in calculus over and above her regular classroom duties. After graduation she hopes to land a scholarship that will help her out as she pursues a bachelor of commerce degree with a major in marketing at the University of Calgary.
On the political side, Elusha notes that she is vitally interested in both Canadian and American political scenes and since she holds dual citizenship, she's considering both sides of the border.
"Maybe I could be a Congresswoman or maybe a Member of Parliament," she said with a laugh, but still, a somewhat serious laugh since there is no tomfoolery in her ambitious planning. She's serious about it, and that is why she is seeking some financial assistance in her efforts to attend the Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa March 2-7.
She intends to handle some expenses by herself since she holds down three part-time jobs and has paid for trips to the Shad Valley International four-week camp in Ottawa last year, a $5,000 commitment that allowed her to learn more about entrepreneurship and team-building in an academic setting at Carleton University. This is a program that boasts 26 Rhode Scholars among its alumni.
She has also participated and raised funds for We Day participation, another leadership training venue for young students.
Elusha feels the Forum for Young Canadians, which focuses on helping young leaders from across Canada become a voice, is something that is very exciting and an opportunity she can't miss.
"We get to meet members of parliament and senators, we have a parliamentary simulation experience where we get to create and debate. We'll watch the House of Commons in action and near the end we get to have a meal with MPs. I hope to visit with my MP Mr. Komarnicki and get a chance to talk about political issues. I really would like to discuss the depth of the job and their role as an MP in a little detail. I'd love to get a bit of background information about what the job is all about."
Elusha added that a tour of the Supreme Court and Parliament Hill is also part of the agenda.
The Shad Valley experience, which she undertook in 2012, was a catalyst for her to look more closely at perhaps pursuing a career in politics.
"Students aren't involved in politics. Young people don't even know their rights and responsibilities. I believe that if you don't like something, then get out and get informed and get involved," she said with a smile, adding that it was pretty obvious she was one who was willing to get engaged.
"That's what I want to do, get ahead, not behind. That's why I also want to be an entrepreneur. I love the competitive world, I'd love to run a campaign and help people. I'm pretty stubborn, and I want to be a role model for my three younger sisters. Our family hasn't had money, Dad just had a heart attack, I'll be the first in the family to graduate high school, but even with financial difficulties, doors still open if you want to open them."
Elusha said she has found stability in southeast Saskatchewan by living, attending school and working in Lampman/Estevan after starting out in California then British Columbia and Calgary before the move to Saskatchewan.
"But I can't wait to get out on my own, I'm willing to work and trying to make something positive happen. I raised money for Shad Valley and I've picked up some sponsorship money from TS&M and the Lampman Lions Club to help with the Forum for Young Canadians that will cover my travel and accommodations.
"I go from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. I think I'm pretty motivated. I do want to make a difference," she said.
When she's not busy with school or her jobs, she pursues her other interest, drama, as a member of the Lampman School Drama Club, which is deep in rehearsal mode for their next couple of productions.
Joining about 100 other young leaders in Ottawa though, poses some interesting challenges that she doesn't want to pass up.
To that end, anyone wanting more information or expressing interest in assisting a young leader in realizing a goal, may contact her at: elusha.baird@gmail.com
She's confident that the experience will pay dividends. She may be a Congresswoman for the state of California, where she was born, right in the state capital of Sacremento or perhaps an MP from Saskatchewan or Alberta or maybe a business leader with a fresh marketing concept.
If determination means anything, she's well on her way.
"When you work your hardest, then there is no failure," she said with an emphatic lift of her shoulders and a firm grip on reality as well as the dream.
