WAVE ~ You have been asked for this interview because you are successful in living your life, and have done things that others might not consider customary for someone like you. What did you do?
Marian ~ I was the first female Republican California State Senator, Founder of the Orange County Homeless Issues Task Force, and I went skydiving at age 67, and again at 81.
WAVE ~ Had you wanted to do this for a long time, or was it impulsive?
Marian ~ The first time I went skydiving was in 1992 when the State budget went overtime before approval. We were sitting around in my office and came up with something new to do. We found a spot in Lodi and just went skydiving.
With life, you have to be ready to accept the consequences. It’s about the challenge and experiencing new things. Much of my career was unplanned, certainly when I was young and women just didn’t have opportunities as they do now.
WAVE ~ How old were you when you first did this?
Marian ~ It was 1992 so I was 67.
WAVE ~ Did you ever do it again? Do you plan to do it again?
Marian ~ I just did it with my two daughters and I’m 81 now. I turn 82 on August 31st.
WAVE ~ Did doing this thing impact other areas of your life? How so?
Marian ~ I guess I’ve always been a risk-taker and willing to try new things, personally and professionally. I tried swimming and nearly drowned; I tried skiing and injured my leg. But I wasn’t deterred either time. Jumping out of a plane was simply a new experience. I look at every day as a new experience, every day brings an opportunity for a new accomplishment.
Professionally, I also keep moving. I lost twice before I was elected to the State Assembly in 1978. Then I decided to run for the Senate. Due to term limits, I left the Senate in 1994 and ran unopposed to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, taking office immediately after the county declared bankruptcy. Subsequently, I was appointed California State Superintendent of Education by Governor Pete Wilson but failed confirmation. I was then appointed Secretary for Education on the State Board of Education where I served until 2002. I’m currently serving on the California Transportation Commission. Transportation is such a complex and critical issue here in southern California.
When I was in third grade, many years ago, I remember running for the position of Eraser Monitor. It was a bit of a hub-bub because girls were expected to run for Paint Monitor. Remember how we conducted voting in third grade? With our heads on the desk, eyes covered, and raising our hands… so I didn’t vote for myself in case anyone was peeking. I lost that election by only one vote and learned one of my biggest lessons.
WAVE ~ Did you then (or do you plan to) make any personal or professional changes that improved the quality of your life?
Marian ~ I’m not sure that it was an outcome rather than the natural progression of my life and career. My feeling is that, as we become more successful and visible, it becomes easier for others to become more successful, and that makes everything better.
WAVE ~ What recommendations do you have for anyone who is considering a similar sort of experience?
Marian ~ Our lives are driven by our decisions. Even when we make poor decisions, we can correct them and build our self-confidence. Without taking a few risks, we end up subdued by traditions. Build up to greater risks. Know that the status quo is always changing ~ just look at technology ~ so think ahead or you’ll be always trying to catch up. If you expect life to stand still, it won’t.
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