Theresa Bessette

Colville Confederated Tribes
Plummer, Idaho
59 years old
Benewah Medical Center: Suicide Case Manager

My name is Theresa M Bessette.  I am an enrolled member of the Colville Tribe and am also a current veteran of the National Guard.  This is my 5th year returning to PATHSTAR.  My journey started a few years ago, and has moved along well with some bumps in the road.

I am still on a journey for the rest of my life and thriving every moment that I breathe, knowing I have a wonderful support team when I need it the most.  As I look back when I first started, saying to myself I know you have come so far in life as a healthy person.  I can now do events and complete them when I wasn’t able to before at all.  I look at my pictures and take a deep breath and feel proud where and who I have become. While having tears in my eyes, saying to each and every one who I have crossed paths with during my journey in life, I am so grateful to say you have touched my life in one way or another.  I love to brag and talk about PATHSTAR to many people who say I look good and how do I keep going.  I am not done by far and it will take some time, but not ready to throw in the towel and say I am done forever!

During the week, I’d like to learn more about feeling more confident about myself and learning to say it’s okay to hit bumps in my life and keep moving to my goals.  Being able to swim and glide through the water like a fish.  Staying positive on my eating habits and staying on track with my protein intake, especially working out 3 times a day.

The learning I’d like to bring back home and apply in my own life is being able to praise myself and like who I am and accept the changes The learning I’d like to bring back and share with my family and community is the long term goals and staying healthy and teaching others who need support or advice.

My team’s commitment to this experience during the year following Alcatraz Swim Week is teaching others what we have learned through our week at PATHSTAR and how to encourage them to join the team who will stay together no matter what comes in your path to a better and great looking person. 

Teaching them about how to be passionate and believe in yourself. Three goals I commit to in participating in the PATHSTAR program are

  • Staying focused when I am down and out
  • Feeling good about myself when I think the worst about me and the way I still look.
  • Staying committed to my community and continue to eat healthy and exercise.