Hi sweetie: the story of Suzie
Ashley Tymko
Contributor
Herb ‘n’ Market has a secret weapon luring in Mount Royal University’s famished ‘tummies and minds, Suzie Mah.
Mah has been an employee at Mount Royal University for the past 32 years. Many students, including this reporter, have had the pleasure of being greeted by Mah with a warm smile and “have a good day, sweetie.”
Rachel Kane, a Mount Royal journalism major, said Mah never fails to makes her day better.
“She is always so kind and happy to be here. No matter how bad a day I am having, she puts a smile to my face.”
After 32 years with MRU and counting, Suzie Mah is one of the university's most recognizable (not to mention most heart-warming) employees. Photo: Jorden Dixon
Anna Majowski, another Mount Royal student, agreed.
“She is just wonderful,” Majowski said. “My mornings would not be the same without her.”
Born in Macau, China, Mah made her way in the world as a teacher. When she was 24 years old she had an arranged marriage. Her husband travelled to China to marry her and then brought her to Calgary with him.
“When I came to Calgary, I was pregnant with my first-born,” Mah said. My child was my priority, so I put my schooling on hold.
“Once I had all of my three children, I wanted to go back to school to get my teacher’s degree again. Unfortunately, the timing was just not right.
“I was working at Mount Royal College at the time and loved it so much I just decided to stay,” she continued. “The rest is history.”
Now, Mah said she could no longer fathom leaving the students at MRU. She turns 70 years old this month and said she has no plans of quitting anytime soon.
“This place keeps me young,” Mah said. “All of the students keep me going. I love you guys so much I never want to leave. I want to work here until I am at least 80 years old.”
Mah said she has cherished each and every student who’s come across her path over the years.
“I love the people; I love everyone. After my first few years I was asked to move up into an office job at the university and I turned it down.
“I am a people person,” Mah said. “I view all of the students as my own children. This is my second family.”
In all of her years here, she said she has never had a bad experience and wishes only the very best on all Mount Royal University students.
“You guys make my day, every day. That is why I stay here year after year.”
You can visit Suzie Mah today at the Herb ‘n’ Market. She’ll be waiting there with a smile.
