Briefly describe the history of Sue Higgins

Born and raised in the Finger Lakes dairy farming district of central New York state to a country doctor (4th in four generations of them) and a lovely Fijian lass who my dad met and married while stationed in the Fiji Islands during World War II. I was a nerd in high school, but managed to crank out as the lead in our first ever HS musical – played Aldonza the Prostitute in Man of La Mancha. I had a pretty good singing voice back then, but my mother did indeed have to sew an old pair of ski socks into the bodice my costume to give me more “heft”. Girls were not recognized in sports back then but with the emergence of Title 9, I was the first girl in my high school to earn a letter. It was in . . . “Exhibition Tennis” on the boys’ team, whatever that is. Moved to Montana in 1982 after grad school in NH and have enjoyed a career centering around water resource planning and education, and health equity. Highlights were working with Mike’s Mom, M’Ellen (we shared an office for a while – if you have not met her she’s a hoot just like her son), and with The Tributary Fund in Mongolia for 6 years. I am blessed with a wonderful husband (Scott Gill) and daughters Katie and Lizzie Gill. We’ve so enjoyed being active in a variety of ways in the outdoors through the years. I’m retiring in a few months, so I’ll be skulking around more and bothering everyone.

What were you like in high school? Are you the same or different?

See above, but to add, I was a student back then who went for the grade, but forgot what I learned – Now I’m trying to learn and remember, and it comes now in many forms.

What's your greatest 'materialistic' prize possession and why?

Probably it’s a little ceramic rose that I took from my mother’s vanity (do we have those anymore?) when she passed away last winter. I think it was given to her by her mother from Fiji, and I look at it often to be reminded of our cultural and family heritage and the sweetness and challenges of mother-daughter relationships.

Did you watch Game of Thrones? If so, what did you think? If not, what have you watched or are you currently watching? Is it any good?

Nope, never did. My series faves right now are Mozart in the Jungle and Broadchurch. Both are very different, but excellent

If you were to have a secret power, what would it be?

To have a big wand that I would shower over everyone, including myself, that would make us stop doubting ourselves, and replace it with the ability to make a huge shift in the way we cooperate globally and with respect, which is a big word we’re missing today.

What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently, where you found yourself dying of laughter.

It’s always the time I accidentally tucked my skirt all the way into my tights after using the bathroom at the back of the plane full of business folks, mostly men, then walking all the way to my seat near the front of the plane. After I sat down, the lady behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Honey, I think you have a little problem.”

What is your favorite thing to do outdoors?

I love dabbling in it all, from sea to mountain top. I guess if I had to choose right now, it would be running (now it’s trotting), backcountry and Nordic skiing, and boating on Montana’s little rivers – and gardening when things actually grow. ☺

Any life words/life lesson of wisdom you'd like to offer up?

Every time you see Mike, Emily, Colleen and Eli, tell them you love and appreciate them, and give them a big kiss after Covid-19 settles down.

Feel free to add anything else unique, fun, or interesting about yourself.

My middle name is Hope, after my father’s cousin who lived her entire life in an “Iron Lung” during the polio era. It’s a reminder of the conditions we have faced in history and the one we’re dealing with now. Keep the faith everyone and enjoy the silver lining of stepping back to reflect on our relationships and dreams. We’re also lucky to have our bodies, in whatever form, and it’s been a great way to release by using them. Thanks to TMP for those online classes to get us through!