Something told me that interviewing Cora Jackson-Fossett, Retired from Public Works and proud Club Member, would be a worthy endeavor. About halfway through our delightful chat, my intuition was confirmed.
“You deal the cards you’re dealt,” Cora says in this month’s inspiring feature interview. “That’s my philosophy.” That is wisdom borne of surviving a serious cancer scare that threatened to take her voice away from her, and even her very life. But Cora, one of the most popular City employees at her retirement in 2014 and still today, had other ideas.
Cora is more than a survivor; she is triumphant, yet still humble, funny, insightful and gracious. She also gives back to mentor others going through the same diagnosis.
Of course her doctors were incredible in treating her. Of course her family and friends could not have been more supportive. We all need a team, don’t we? But her survival began and was eventually secured, I am certain, because of her attitude. It can move a mountain. This month’s interview is proof positive of that.
Life lessons have a way of sticking with you, if you only hear and embrace them. I humbly suggest you do, too. Thank you, Cora, for your courage and your affirmations.
I also send a note of gratitude to the Keck Medicine at USC communications team, which was only too happy to let us reproduce their images.
Nominate the Stars
Who is the star public service employee in your life? Who is that stellar colleague or family member who stands out for their complete dedication to serving the City, County or State? We want to know!
Nominate that person as Employee of the Year. Help us honor and thank them in a way they deserve. See how to nominate them on page 9.
Library Holidays
As this is October, we begin our series of holiday book suggestions from our friends at the Los Angeles Public Library. This month is Halloween; then comes Thanksgiving/harvest themes, and then Christmas/Hanukkah and winter season themes. I know readers really appreciate these recommendations. Nowhere else can you find these – they’re a unique feature of Alive! and brought to you through your Membership fees.
Worth Considering
No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. Every great movement in history began with a single idea, a spark that ignited change. Your voice has the power to inspire, uplift and transform the world around you. Here at the Club, we work to do exactly that every day for you and all public employees.