“We all have a calling and it is the most wonderful feeling to know you are doing what God has called you to do.”

Mrs. Sylvia Cobbs has been the THS secretary for nine years. Her daily tasks include receiving/directing visitors, answering phone calls, entering absentee report for all faculty/staff, developing/maintaining a filing system, producing/distributing correspondence, memos, letters, and faxes, and assisting staff, parents, and students. She also works with the principal and assistant principals and “any other task that needs [her] assistance.”

Although it sounds like an overwhelming job, Cobbs loves it because she gets to be “busy with her hands” and “work with wonderful people.” She especially likes working during the summer.

“I really enjoy the summers with the 10-4 work week and off on Fridays. Even though the phone still rings and people are in and out all summer, we are in a more relaxed atmosphere.”

Cobbs has been a secretary since her senior year at George Washington High School. She was enrolled in a Vocational Office Training (VOT) program that allowed her to go to school for half a day, then work the other half.

Her first job was at Danville Industries. After she graduated, she went full-time and eventually became the head secretary for the Hosiery Sales Department.

In all, she has been working as a secretary for 48 years. She did take some time off to raise her two children before they began school.

The biggest challenge for her as a secretary is “keeping cool.”

“The office can get pretty busy at times and I try my best not to let it all get to me, but I try to accommodate one person at a time and his or her needs. There are some days I go home mentally exhausted,” she said.

Cobbs’ Christian faith plays a huge role in her everyday life.

“When we seek His face on a daily basis, He will lead and guide you in all you do. At the end of the day, if I receive compliments, I will give them back to Him. If I mess up, I will ask Him for forgiveness. I am so grateful that ‘His mercies are new every morning.'”

Outside of work, Cobbs enjoys reading Beverly Lewis books, doing aerobics at Perfect Body, singing on the praise team at White Oak Church, going to Lancaster, PA, and hanging out with her children and grandchildren.

Cobbs hopes to continue leaving a positive impact on those around her.

“Right now, for such a time as this, God has placed me at Tunstall High School. I hope and pray my life will explemify Christ enough to make an impact on those at THS. If I’m going to ‘talk the talk,’ I need to ‘walk the walk.'”