On my first day at Cisco, I used to be nervous and excited on the identical time. I spent my time onboarding, studying the instruments, processes and procedures, changing into a part of a mission administration staff, and attending to know my coworkers. I even joined the Connected Black Professionals Inclusive Community, which a few of my closest coworkers have been members of. I felt part of the Cisco household from Day One. In only a few months, my supervisor was already having discussions with me about my subsequent profession transfer. Wait, what? I simply received right here.
Five months later, time utterly stopped after I heard, “Ms. Williams, I am so sorry to inform you that you have been diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer.”
Once I received previous the primary night time of crying, I spotted I might lose my job with this analysis. I used to be an emotional wreck. I used to be so afraid to inform my supervisor about my analysis as a result of I knew I might get terminated. I even began in search of different monetary choices.
Well, to my shock, my dialogue with my supervisor went utterly reverse to my expectations. He stated, “You are in a battle for your life right now. You have a lot of things to worry about, but your job is not one of them.”
He additionally informed me about and inspired me to make the most of the medical profit that enables us to get a second opinion. I used to be in a position to see one other physician in Boston with out even leaving my home. She reviewed my paperwork, answered all my questions, and made me really feel safe.
And that’s when my Cisco household stepped in and stepped up for me.
I spent your entire 12 months of 2019 in remedy, together with two main surgical procedures. In the start, my oncologists stated I couldn’t work as a result of the chemo was so harsh, however I couldn’t let most cancers beat me. So, my supervisor and I compromised, and I labored on one mission.
My staff checked on me day by day. “How are you feeling today? Is there anything that you need?”
As a mission supervisor, it’s my job to ensure every part stays on monitor, however there have been occasions after I didn’t need my purchasers to see me bald from the chemo, or the unwanted effects from the medicine have been an excessive amount of, or I used to be in remedy, and my staff received on flights, went to in-person conferences, and took on what I couldn’t. They jumped in so seamlessly and selflessly; even individuals I labored with at Cisco didn’t know I used to be sick.
And Connected Black Professionals (CBP) members surrounded me with real Cisco love. They stored me going with their calls, texts, flowers, and visits. It was the little issues, too. The articles they despatched for me to learn and the workout routines they shared that may assist my restoration. The ladies I used to be closest with even introduced me groceries and took me to my remedies. There have been days I couldn’t see the top of the rainbow — I couldn’t see myself at the moment — they usually received me by them. The emotional help? Oh, they gave it to me.
Three years later, I’m nonetheless shocked I acquired one of these help and have an amazing quantity of affection and loyalty to Cisco. My CBP household nonetheless checks in on my youngsters and me. I’m taking over tougher tasks, and people profession progress and future plan talks with my supervisor are again on monitor.
I do know why Cisco is voted #1 Best Workplace within the U.S. — this tradition can’t be duplicated. I put on my Cisco shirts with satisfaction! This is residence, and we’re household.
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