A force to be reckoned with

[checkers65477]

I'm the first to complain about crazy students, so I wanted to share this awesome student with you.  I'll call her Ellie.  She is in 6th grade and is 11 years old.

Ellie:  I'm trying to find something out about Governor Easley, and I haven't been able to find it anywhere.
Me:  What do you need to find out?
Ellie: I want to know if he has any pets.
Me: Ok, let's look online. *finds official website* Hm, it doesn't say whether he has pets of not.  Why do you want to know that?
Ellie: We have to write a letter to someone about an "issue," and I chose all the cases of rabies in North Carolina.  I want to write to the governor about it, and I can try to persuade him to do more about the rabies problem if he has his own pets.
Me: Ok.  Well, it just doesn't say on his website.
Ellie: Is this a phone number for his office?
Me: Yes, looks like it.
Ellie:  Can I use your phone?
Me:...sure.

(I did coach her just a bit as to what to say.)

Ellie:  *calls governor's office* Hi, my name is Ellie xxx, and I'm a sixth grader at xxx school.  I need to know if Governor Easley has any pets.
*pause* Yes, any PETS
*pause*  No pets?  
*pause*
Ellie:  Well, has he EVER had any pets?
*pause* NEVER?  Ok, thank you.
Ellie: Darn.

Now, when I was 11 years old I would have sooner died than make a call like that. 

I think Ellie will be governor one day. :)