Mabel Cobb ’75 carried both history and pressure on her shoulders as the first Black graduate of GPS. During her adolescent years, when most girls want to fit in, she was forced to stand out.
After graduating from GPS, Cobb obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis. She worked in the food and beverage industry for a major hotel for several years before transitioning to the aviation industry and serving as a flight attendant for Northwest/Delta Airlines. Today, after 22 years of traveling the world, she is retired from the skies and working toward her real estate license in Atlanta, Georgia.
While Cobb’s career has certainly been fulfilling, her greatest passion remains doing volunteer work in her community. She has built homes with Habitat for Humanity and worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, raising money to support their endeavors.
Q. What was your favorite tradition at GPS? Why?
A. May Day was my favorite GPS tradition. It is a major part of the school community and an all around fun experience to participate in each year.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to current GPS students, what would it be?
A. Take advantage of all of the opportunities that GPS affords. Not every school offers the diverse educational experiences that GPS does.
Q. Can you point to anything that GPS did to prepare you for your future?
A. GPS taught me the value of a well-rounded educational experience and the importance of self motivation.
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
A. My proudest accomplishment would definitely be the time I’ve spent volunteering and helping others in my community. We all have the capacity to give back and be a blessing to those who are in need of our help.
Q. Are there any quotes that really resonate with you/guide you in your daily pursuits?
A. “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.”—Danny Thomas, Founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and ALSAC