Name: Susan Baiton Wilkinson, BSN'78
T-Bird Sport: Rowing 1976-78
Career:  Retired - Manager, Assisted Living Program, Fraser Health Authority

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I grew up on a cattle ranch in rural British Columbia and was eager to spread my wings when I graduated from high school.  I was nominated by my local School Board to attend 'UBC Visitations' in the spring of my grade 12 year; a program designed to introduce prospective students to the university.  I had a wonderful week on campus and decided that I would like to attend UBC.  Although academics were always important to me, at the age of 17, the potential social opportunities carried significant weight on my decision to apply to UBC.

Did you receive financial support as a student-athlete? If so, how did this impact your experience as a T-Bird?
I received academic financial support (scholarship/bursary) but no financial support as a student athlete.  

Why did you want to become a nurse?
Initially, I wasn't convinced that a career in nursing was the right fit for me.  I knew that I enjoyed the biological sciences and was interested in health care, however it wasn't until my second year of university after researching the profession and learning about the many career opportunities within nursing, that I made my decision.  

Why did you choose UBC Nursing and what did you enjoy most about it?
The UBC School of Nursing has a strong history of excellence in nursing education and I felt that I could gain the knowledge and skills that would prepare me for a fulfilling career.  My most memorable experience was my 4^th year preceptorship that I spent in community health.  Upon completion, I met with Lynda Thornton, the Director of Burnaby Community Health to review my preceptorship with her.  Following this experience and my discussion with Lynda, I decided that I would start my nursing career in community health.

What has been your biggest takeaway from the UBC Nursing program?
The UBC School of Nursing provided me with an excellent foundation from which I could springboard into a career that has been challenging, diverse and rewarding.  
   
Favorite T-Bird memory:
I have many great memories.  I was one of a small group of women who rowed under the watchful eye of coach Glenn Battersby on the first UBC women's Crew (1976).  One of my favourite memories was attending the Opening Day Regatta in Seattle in 1978.  The memory of the excitement and fanfare around that event remains with me today.  Other great times were racing at the 1978 Canadian Henley and Canadian National Championship in St. Catharines and Montreal, under the Vancouver Rowing Club banner with my UBC teammates.  Another great time was racing in the women's 8+ against the top American women's crews in the San Diego Crew Classic in in 1979.   Of greatest value to me, are the lifelong friendships that I made during my UBC crew years.
 
Favorite place on campus:
My favourite place on campus was the War Memorial Gym.  I met my teammates and friends there after class to do dry land training for rowing and to watch T-Bird basketball and volleyball games.  A close second favourite place on campus was "The Pit" – need I say more?

If you could travel back in time, what would you tell your "undergraduate" self?
Become involved in university life outside of the class room – for me it was athletics, primarily rowing.  Be curious and don't hesitate to question the status quo – a question can be a catalyst for positive change in lives and organizations.

What was your first job after graduation?
I was fortunate to graduate at a time when there were many opportunities available in the field of nursing.  My first choice for employment following graduation was in community health.  In June I submitted my application for a position with the Burnaby Health Department however I had to be clear that I wouldn't be able be start work until September as I was competing in rowing for most of the summer.   My application was successful and I was fortunate that the position was held for me until the fall.  My employer and colleagues supported my continued engagement in rowing by providing me with the flexibility to take my vacations to race in regattas where travel was involved.  

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?
My experience as an athlete (varsity and beyond university), has impacted my life and career in myriad ways.  The value of being able to function effectively on a team, whether it be an athletic team, a health care team, or a member of a board, can't be overstated.  Rowing reinforced the attributes of work ethic and commitment to a common goal, that have served me well in my life and during my career.  Currently I row recreationally at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Club.  I have my national rowing umpire license and enjoy officiating at rowing regattas during the competitive season.  Several years ago, I joined the Rowing BC Board of Directors and I am currently Past President on the Board.  Rowing has supported my belief that being physically active and engaging in volunteerism are critical to my overall health and well-being.

What's the best professional advice you've received?
The best professional advice I've received was given by the director of my program at work: "Family always comes first; work will wait for you".

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?
The COVID 19 pandemic has shone a light on some grave realities in our society.  Not everyone has been impacted equally and the impacts are far reaching for many, particularly our elders, women, children and racialized peoples.  The pandemic has caused me to count my blessings and to seek opportunities to increase awareness in this regard, and to support those most affected in ways that I can.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
I look forward to the availability of a safe effective vaccine that will allow me to spend face to face time with family, friends, and colleagues.   I also hope that there will be a reliable rapid test available to the public.  I expect that we will need to continue with precautions such as physical distancing and masking in situations where there is greater risk of transmission of the virus.
 
Who is the most influential person of your life so far?
My husband David has been my companion and supporter since we met as students at UBC.  My mother continues to be my abiding source of wisdom and tea and cookies, and my children inspire me to be the best person that I can be.

What do you consider your greatest achievement or what are you most proud of?
Without doubt, my greatest achievements and sources of pride are derived from raising our three children - along with my husband - who have grown to be fine citizens of the world. 

How do you feel about David's appointment to the Order of Canada?
David has devoted his entire professional career in engineering and science, to the discovery and development of clean sustainable energy.  I'm proud of him and very happy for this recognition.

Can you tell us more about your incredible & sporty family?
David and I met at a party in the Totem Park Residence at UBC.  Both having a farming background, our first conversation was a debate about who made the better farm tractor – John Deere or Massey Harris!

Physical fitness is an important value in our family.  In high school I ran track and x-country and played field hockey.  We started exposing our kids to a variety of sports i.e., swimming, skating, hockey, skiing, gymnastics, and soccer, at a young age (4-5 years). When they were very young, we wanted them to have fun and enjoy being on a team.It was important to us that they learned to keep their commitments and we required them to finish what they had signed up for even if they didn't want to.In high school they narrowed down the sports that they enjoyed the most, and that they had the time for, given their other commitments. We felt it was important for them to learn proficiency with a musical instrument (trombone, guitar, percussion, piano) and take part in their school bands and choirs.We encouraged them to volunteer in our community as developing a habit of 'giving back' is an essential family value.

We have always enjoyed watching our kids practice and compete in their chosen sports and count ourselves among their most loyal fans. We asked our children how we were as 'parents of sporty kids' and these are their responses:

• Very supportive
• Went to every game and practice
• Encouraged us to be our best
• Family motto: "Strength and Honour"
• Taught that giving up wasn't an option
• Taught respect and sportsmanship
• Oh, those cursed 5am mornings!
• Ensured that we finished what we started
• Taught that competence frequently leads to enjoyment
• Being active is part of the family fabric
• Prepared 'mother goose tea' (sweet milky tea) and waffles to lessen the sting of waking up to get to early morning practices