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Meet Aisha Mitchell: Track & Field 'Newcomer of the Year'
by Elissa K. Harvill
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As we walked from the LRC to the GC side of the building, I learned that she is from Kansas City, Mo., has three brothers and one sister--a wonderful family whom she misses dearly--and that she has finally acclimated to the rather searing Tulsa climate (an absolute necessity when one must often practice running, compete, and be drilled out of doors.)
When I asked Mitchell how she decided to study at ORU, she instantly responded, "It was my first choice. I really liked the atmosphere and what the school stands for, and I also run track. I liked that it's a Division 1 school, and I wanted some competition." Mitchell has already been named "Newcomer of the Year" for 2003-04 in the Mid-Continent Conference, as well as "Newcomer of the Week" for both indoor and outdoor track. "I was so surprised!" she said. "I really didn't feel like I deserved it because I received 'Newcomer' for indoor, so I didn't think I would get outdoor too." Her other honors, thus far, include a bronze metal in the Mid-Con 200- meter dash and helping her 4x400 relay team win the silver metal.
Ever wonder what runners are thinking when you see them competing in races or running alongside traffic with those almost pained expressions glued to their faces? Mitchell shared her personal thoughts: "[While running] I think about my form and if I'm running correctly. I think about breathing and making sure that I'm relaxed--that I stay relaxed. I think about the finish line and getting there first. Sometimes I think about the person next to me, but I try not to--and I think about winning sometimes. It's a really competitive attitude. I think about competing and staying up with the rest of the runners."
Mitchell hasn't yet decided on a major, but she believes that her life has definitely begun to transform since she started school at ORU. "I've grown spiritually. I've learned a lot of biblical principles that are really shaping how I feel about government and revival, and I really like that. And also, I'm learning how school develops my character and is making me a better person." Throughout our conversation, Mitchell repeatedly expressed her desire to help people in any way she can. She is currently involved in ministering to the elderly residents at a low-income housing complex through Greater Missions, an ORU campus outreach program. "It's really fun; I like it a lot. We get to talk to the people and minister to them, and just give them company because a lot of people don't visit them," she shared.
She also sings. (Sound like anyone else we know--Madeline Manning Mims, perhaps?) "I would like to compete in the Olympics," she said, with a glimmer in her eye. "And if I make a lot of money doing that I would like to contribute to the community, help other children who have dreams of running track, help them better themselves. I like to help people. If this track thing doesn't work out, I might do missions, maybe in another country, maybe through a church."
Whatever Mitchell ends up doing, she gives every indication that she's going to do it with grace and excellence. Her message to readers, something which no doubt has been supported by her experience at ORU, is simple yet profound: "When you really work hard and you give God your focus, everything else will line up and you'll get the desires of your heart. Trusting God is very important."
