The Person Behind the Nametag - April 2008

Vinny Cosac
Community Health Worker

Each month, “The Person Behind the Nametag’’ introduces you to a Westside Family Health Center Team Member. (Click here to read about others.)

April 2008 features Vinny Cosac, a Community Health Worker in our Community Outreach and Education Department, for five years. He specializes in outreach and education for at-risk patients, ages 12-24 years. He is a certified HIV counselor.

People who know you would be surprised to hear: That I was quoted in the L.A. Times about my job.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? The CEO of an investment firm that I did an internship for. He was a salesman but he was always saying everything is possible—nothing is impossible.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger? I’ve learned that it’s better to put myself in other’s people’s shoes rather than make quick judgments.

The greatest invention of all time is: Engines and the Internet.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Both. I can go the whole day.

Halloween or Christmas? Halloween

Spinach or broccoli? Spinach stir fried with a little butter, garlic, salt and olive oil.

Smooth peanut butter or chunky peanut butter? Ssssmooth. Just goes on easy. Chunky breaks the bread..

I’m almost afraid to ask…flour tortillas or corn tortillas? Corn.

What’s the last movie you saw? Jumper.

Thumbs up or thumbs down? Thumbs way up.

What keeps you awake at night? If I have a project that I’m working on. I just want to do it.

What keep you awake during the day? Work and coffee.

What do you love about your job? I love that we get to give people a paradigm shift when it comes to thinking about their sexual health.

What concerns you most about the state of health care today? There’s not enough funding.

What do you consider your most admirable quality? My charisma that other people tell me I have.

What do you hope to do that you haven’t done yet? Travel and get to learn more about different cultures, especially cultures that are the opposite of ours.

What’s the best thing about L.A.? It’s a melting pot.

Least favorite household chore: Washing damn dishes.

Always in your fridge: Meat, steak, juice, beer and supplements.

Favorite food: Brazilian barbecue and Korean barbecue.

Who do you sing to when you’re in your car? Anything rock.

What was your last impulse buy? A movie projector.

Describe your perfect day. A happy day is a perfect day.

What’s the best gift you ever received? A compliment for a job well done.