We are excited to feature Donna Moore-Sturgill as Skater of the Week! This brave woman started skateboarding at the ripe age of 61 and we are beyond inspired by her spirit and dedication to dive into something new. She has been coming to our meet ups since Summer of 2019 and we have loved seeing her progress and show up every time.
Donna lives a full life. She is from the east coast, has a wonderful family, enjoys surfing, (now) skateboarding, was in the Army, does stand up comedy, volunteers for various surf therapy organizations, and much more!
Donna, can you share some of your background with us?
I'm from a small island off the Ocean State of Rhode Island. The fourth of of five kids, I grew up clamming, rowing [out of town vacationer's] boats, and bodysurfing. It was a great place for a childhood.
How long have you lived in San Diego?
We moved here almost nine years ago after 20 years in the high desert of SoCal. Being an island gal, this makes me happy!
When did you start skateboarding and how/why did you get involved?
Aside from jumping on my two older brothers' SHARED skateboard in the 1960s (the equivalent of a 2"x4" with steel wheels), decades later- I went to an Exposure Skate Clinic locally just last June, then decided to take a not-so-great longboard [I'd won] to a Kateboard Meetup late Summer 2019 and I'm loving it. Being an 'Empty Nester' since the move, taking on new challenges seems natural. I'm 'learning late', but I ain't scared. And I now have better boards! #kateboards
How has skateboarding affected your life so far?
I love the camaraderie and helpful nature of skaters, and the opportunity to relate to people I may not have before. It's a real “connector”, which is what I'm all about.
Who or what constantly inspires you?
Anyone who pushes past life's challenges to achieve a goal, and I am there to CHEER THAT ON.
We hear that you were in the Army. What was your role and what major lessons did you learn?
I was an enlisted school-trained photographer, covering anywhere from tanker night fire, to bad auto accidents; I even worked on the set of "Stripes", filmed at Fort Knox. I then went to Officer Candidate School, am qualified Airborne, and worked from tactical field communications to being in charge of the Public Affairs for all of California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Big lessons? So many. Biggest was, "COME AS YOU ARE AND CONTRIBUTE".
What are some of your hobbies?
Woodworking, sailing, surfing, and camping. And when I wanna be nice to my husband, I'll go fishing, bowling, or hit golf balls at Camp Pendleton's driving range.
When and how did stand up comedy become a part of your life?
At a Toastmaster Meeting, before moving here, a dude walked up and said, "I think you missed your calling". I said, "Oh, HERE we go!" (I truthfully had been hearing this for years.) We hit up shows around Los Angeles and I've only recently gotten back into it. #cheaperthantherapy
What are some ways that you exercise kindness and compassion for others?
By listening and being forthright enough to give feedback. But especially by encouraging folks to get out of their comfort zone. I also volunteer for multiple SURF THERAPY organizations.
Can you tell us of a courageous moment or time in your life?
Showing up and 'keeping it together' after a loved one's very serious personal crisis. (It's between me and God.)
Do you have a quote or words to live by that you can share with us?
Simple. THE SERENITY PRAYER. I believe it is worth reviewing many
times throughout life:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the
courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the
difference.
Thanks, Donna!