For as long as I have worked at DCCCD, I have seen the smiling face of my colleague down the hall. Her attitude doesn’t depend on outward circumstances. She quietly endures both health and family issues because her strength comes from within. She is a “worker bee” who takes on assignments others might not want to do in a cheerful, dedicated manner. She doesn’t do things by taking shortcuts. Her work ethic is impeccable. Because she was raised working on a farm, she knows the value of hard work. She is one of the kindest, most nonjudgmental people I know, a real encourager.  

This quote personifies Velma’s attitude about life and work:

“Good work habits help develop an internal toughness and a self-confident attitude that will sustain you through every adversity and temporary discouragement.” — Paul Fleyer 

It is my pleasure to nominate Velma Hargis as POPE for February 2009.