Meet Leslie Smith
By Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
Meet Leslie Smith, a Retiree on the Move. Leslie began her City career in 1989 as a Police Service Representative (PSR) with LAPD and retired in 2019 as a Sr. PSR after 30 years and three months of City service. Leslie enjoyed her time with the City and says, “As I reflect on my career with the City, I would have changed only one thing: to have diversified my experience by working in various City departments, therefore gaining a broader understanding of the City’s operations.”
In retirement, Leslie says she enjoys walking, traveling and gardening in her yard. “One thing I have always wanted to do was to become a flight attendant and travel the world. So, six months after retirement, I applied, was hired, and attended flight attendant training. Unfortunately, it was short lived. I was laid off due to the pandemic.
“Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies,” she continued. “Since retiring I have enjoyed visiting Hawaii, Washington D.C., New York, Texas, the Dominican Republic and visiting family in Ohio. I plan to do much more traveling soon.
“One of my greatest passions is to be healthy and stay healthy. I started walking and exercising years ago to enhance and maintain my own physical and mental health. Because of all the benefits I have reaped from walking, it was put on my heart to help others learn to be consistent in their journey to pursue daily exercise, not only for physical health but for mental health as well.
“So, in retirement, I started a walking group called P.E.A.C.E. (Physical Empowerment Achieved through Consistent Exercise). Our mission is to attain, sustain, and nurture physical and mental health through physical activity. P.E.A.C.E. serves as a reliable source of inspiration and encouragement for maintaining a regular exercise routine. If anyone is interested in more information, they may email me at leslie@peacesb.com or check us out on Facebook at PEACE/Physical Empowerment Achieved through Consistent Exercise.
“I’m active in my church, Shackelford Miracle Temple, where I am blessed to be able to volunteer helping with the food bank, the welcome desk and serving as a volunteer on the Scripture Memorization Team.
“I also volunteer for Assured Lifestyle Housing as a guide and beacon of support for those in need. My role involves offering hope and practical assistance to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals within the community, whether it’s lending a listening ear, organizing activities, or providing essential aid.”
Any words of wisdom for Retirees or those about to retire?
“Retirement is a different season of life, so you must be ready for it. Enjoy your new-found freedom and do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing. Do what makes you happy, If that’s doing nothing, then do nothing and enjoy doing it. You have earned this season of life.
“For those planning to retire soon, plan and prepare for it so that you will be able to enjoy doing the things you love and the things you weren’t able to do while working.”
What was the smartest thing you did to prepare for retirement?
“Financial planning. This included keeping my debt to a minimum and participating in the deferred compensation plan. I sacrificed while working so l wouldn’t have to sacrifice in retirement.”
Is there anything you miss about your years of service?
“I miss some of my co-workers with whom I forged great friendships. I don’t miss the structure, the requesting of days off or working holidays.”
Now that you’re retired, what would you change?
“I would not change anything about my retired life. I have absolutely no regrets. It is all that I anticipated, and it is truly a blessing from God to be able to have retired, to be in good health, and to continue to enjoy life. I am blessed!”
