Veleda Tiyaamornwong
Youth Project Coordinator
Substance Abuse Prevention

First Job: “A Hostess at Pacific Seafood”

Birthplace: Carmel, CA

Years at FCEOC: 1 year and 8 months.

Best advice ever received: “Don’t be afraid to take chances. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you keep telling yourself that you can’t do something.”

Favorite advice I give: “To listen and be truthful to yourself- always keep your eyes open and do what’s best for you.”

Favorite restaurant, dish, or pig-out food: “Pacific Seafood and original Yoshino’s.”

Proudest moment: “When I was able to put myself through grad school and buy my first place, without any help.”

Greatest personal accomplishment: “To learn how to be positive and self-sufficient.”

Best vacation I’ve taken/dream vacation: “The best taken is to a small island in Thailand where there is no electricity, the water is so clear, and the restaurant only serves whatever they caught in the ocean that day. My dream vacation would be all through South America.”

Favorite weekend activity: “Just relaxing with friends and family.”

Last good movie I saw: “Screaming and Kicking-good mindless humor!”

Scariest experience: “Almost being caught in a fire.”

If I had a million dollars I would… “Pay off any bills, travel all over, and invest in property. Oh, and a little bit of shopping!”

Favorite place to shop: “San Francisco shops and of course, ebay!”

Favorite childhood memory: “Taking trips with my family to visit my grandmother in Marina.”

I admire… “My parents. They came here from Thailand, not speaking English. Yet they have managed to get college educations, and put three children through good universities. They always have worked 60+ hours a week, but still managed to be at every soccer game and dance recital!”

Words that describe me best: “Easy going, head strong, assertive, and little silly!”

I like to watch: “Law and order, grey’s anatomy, desperate housewives, music videos, and the food tv.”

Favorite music or artist: “So many! I like everything but heavy metal and hard core country.”

In my spare time…”I try to relax and really have down time, it’s so important with the work I do. I spend countless hours with friends and family, and take regular trips to the beach.”

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is… “That there is a lesson in everything and everyone around you, if you keep your eyes open.”