Name:  Shelby Higgs

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in San Diego, California.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
The biggest transition I have faced in my life so far, has actually been my transition into THF. I recently left my job that I had worked since I was 17, where I knew everything and everyone. Transitioning into working with THF has been exciting and challenging, since I was no longer the one teaching; I am the one learning.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
A piece of advice I’d give to my younger self would be to not stress so much. If you can’t directly impact the outcome, stress and worry is just wasted energy. Instead, ask “What can I do right now to change this?” If there is an answer, get working. If not, you accept the uncertainty and move on.

Your Personal Why?
My personal “Why”, is that I have seen firsthand how important smooth transitions can be in setting up one’s future success. It can really be make or break for people, and I want to make sure everyone has the tools they need for a successful transition post-service.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My “Why” drives me to be a part of the THF ecosystem because the whole team is filled with like minded individuals, people who just want to see others succeed. Everyone here is so passionate about helping one another and watching them go on to do great things, and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
My personal military connection is a big part of why I’m here. Both my mom and dad served, so I got to see firsthand how hard these transitions can be on a personal level, and how they affect families too.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite THF value is “Fierce Empathy”, if you couldn’t have guessed. I have always been one to put myself in others’ shoes and really try to see where they are coming from, and how they think. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, and I think that’s also why this is something I’m passionate about. I love making others feel heard and understood, I think that’s when they can really begin to shine.

Area/Industry of expertise:
I have worked in customer service and client-focused jobs for most of my career, so I strive to create connections and build relationships. I love connecting with others and helping them get exactly where they need to go.

Contact Shelby directly at shelby@honor.org.