The Person Behind the Nametag - May 2008

Cassondra Lopez
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.)

May 2008 features Cassondra Lopez, who has been a Community Health Worker in our Community Outreach and Education Department since 2007. This month she follows a long and rich tradition of WFHC staff going off to college or graduate school in order to further their health education training. She has been accepted to UC San Francisco’s nurse practitioner program.

People who know you would be surprised to hear: I used to wear very dark lipstick in high school.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? My mom.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger? To grow up slowly.

The greatest invention of all time is: The car.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.

Halloween or Christmas? Christmas

Spinach or broccoli? Spinach steamed.

Smooth peanut butter or chunky peanut butter? Chunky.

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

What’s the last movie you saw? P.S. I Love You.

Thumbs up or thumbs down? Thumbs up.

What keeps you awake at night? Thinking about money and family.

What keep you awake during the day? Life and being with friends.

What do you love about your job? The ability to educate and make a huge difference in [the lives of youth]. Not just sex education but other places.

What concerns you most about the state of health care today? The lack of it, the lack of access and the approach. Even if it is available, it is lacking the personal touch or people don’t or won’t seek it out.

What do you consider your most admirable quality? I’m a good listener. I know when to shut up.

What do you hope to do that you haven’t done yet? To volunteer abroad as a nurse practitioner in Mexico or someplace in Los Angeles.

What’s the best thing about L.A.? The multiculturality. Is that a word?

Least favorite household chore: Cleaning out the fridge.

Always in your fridge: Catsup packets.

Favorite food: Italian…pasta.

Who do you sing to when you’re in your car?So many things...

What was your last impulse buy? I don’t do that, really.

Describe your perfect day. Get to sleep in, wake up not too late in the day, nice breakfast with loved ones, walk around, relax and a movie.

What’s the best gift you ever received? Support and inspiration.

Does it annoy you when people mispronounce your name Cass-ANNE-dra instead of the correct Cass-AHN-dra? Not anymore.

Why? It just happened too much. I had to get over it, but my family and friends will say something.