Suzie Messner

Name: Suzie Messner
Age: 57
Occupation: Executive Assistant

Working with the super inspirational Fr Chris Riley of Youth Off the Streets as his executive assistant, Suzie gets to do something that makes a difference everyday. A widowed single mother with two grown up children and two grand daughters, she makes sure she enjoys life and makes the most of everyday. Laughing is her secret weapon when the going gets tough!

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
Secretary.

How did your role model/s help you?
They taught me the value and security of having boundaries in all aspects of life. Also, that in life; what you put in directly equates to what you get out.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
As I was always impetuous, they taught me to step back and take time to think about things before I acted. Also, they were there to 'bouce' things off and to measure my own values against before I made a choice about how to live.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
The 'Sex, Drugs and RocknRoll' era of the '60s & '70s. Fortunately, mostly I chose a safe path, but they were exciting times.

How did you overcome these issues?
I always believed that I had the luxury of a 'choice' and always tried to make a sensible choice that was good for my life. I sometimes got it wrong but I always aimed for the right decision.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Being incredibly awkward and often feeling lonely and worthless.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Practical and lateral in my thinking.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My kids, my grandkids and my family.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I always put in 150% effort in my work at Youth Off The Streets as it assists disadvantaged kids, so I do not have a lot of spare time. I get involved in community activities where I can. I also belong to the Country Women's Association in order to support our rural communities, as I see them as the 'heart' of this great country and without our primary production we would not all enjoy the great lifestyle that we have in Australia. I also believe a safe community is so important and we all deserve to strive for a safe and secure community in which to reside.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
Always aim for the stars, even if you only get part way it is still success. Low aim is failure.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Compassion, courtesy and consideration for the needs all those around you, whether it be at home, work or in the community. Always make everyone feel included and valued. I try and treat everyone in the way I know I like to be treated.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I care and will always demonstrate that I care. I always like to help people. I like to do this in a way that at the end of it they actually think that they were fully responsible for what they achieved and therefore feel good about themselves and not beholden to someone else for making it happen for them.