10 Questions with Shamere Smith
A new dad, Smith looks forward to every day
Shamere Smith, security officer at Cape Cod Hospital, has a two-month-old son and a happy, yet focused outlook on his life and career. Shamere will be featured on Instagram next month as a representative of CCHC when our employees do a “takeover” of the Cape Cod Young Professionals Instagram account.
1) What was your very first job?
I was 15 and my first job, like everybody, was working at McDonalds. The biggest takeaway was that I definitely wanted more. There was more to life than flipping burgers. It showed me that there was more out there.
2) What’s next on your to do list?
So, if I weren’t at work, the next thing – the VERY next thing -- would be playing with my son, my new son. He’s two months old. That’s always on my to-do list now.
He’s my first. He’s my Kyrie … my little Ky-guy. Handsome little guy! It’s just amazing, the way they love you automatically. It’s the best feeling. I can’t get enough of it.
3) What are you most excited about these days?
I’m actually most excited about him (Kyrie), but I’m also excited about the civil service exam coming up. My goal is to be a State Trooper right here in Massachusetts. The test is on June 12.
I’m studying and being former military helps. I was in for four years, in the Army, jumping out of airplanes. I was airborne, it was fun. Well, sometimes it was. [laughs]
4) What are you putting off at the moment?
Nothing! [laughs] Whatever comes up, I do it! I have a pretty strong work ethic. I took that away from the military.
5) Favorite movie?
Favorite movie is Gladiator with Russell Crow. That was my favorite movie when I was in the service. When I got back from Baghdad, that was the first the first tattoo I wanted to get -- the helmet he wore.
It’s my favorite movie because it shows where strength comes from and what honor is about. That’s the biggest thing for me.
6) What inspires you?
The first inspiration is obviously my son. He inspires me every day since he’s been on this planet. The other inspiration is police work. Just seeing what a police officer does and the duties they do motivates me. Every duty they perform is something I admire.
7) Is there any trend you regret trying?
There was this trend when I was in high school… I used to try to dress kind of nerdy, with the Sperry shoes and high cargo shorts. Everybody I went to school with dressed like that, with the shorts way high over your knees. I just wanted to fit in. Now I think, “Ooh, I won’t be doing that anymore.”
8) What’s your favorite time of day?
I like the night time, it’s a little more peaceful. It’s beautiful. Can’t ask for anything else. I work night shifts and I live in New Bedford. It’s a really peaceful drive. Quiet, peaceful, nobody on the road -- I like it.
You get to think about your personal stuff, listen to music. I never dread going to work. That’s the best feeling right there.
9) Name something that’s always in your car’s glove compartment.
My mask. Extra masks! [laughs] Extra masks, in case anyone needs one, too. There’s nothing else right now. It’s what we need!
10) What song is stuck in your head at the moment?
Hey Baby by Stephen Marley. It’s Bob Marley’s son!
