Elizabeth Varela
Head Start Pre-School
Mental Health Assistant

First Job: Teacher’s Assistant (kindergarten class)

Birthplace: Mendota, CA

Years at FCEOC: 13 years

Best advice ever received: On my wedding day, I was given this advice, “Never end the day mad at each other.” We never did.

Favorite advice I give: Don’t take life for granted; enjoy every minute of every day.

Favorite restaurant, dish, or pig-out food: Sweet Tomatoes

Proudest moment: Having married a wonderful man and having raised 3 wonderful children. We were married for 28 years until his death.

Greatest personal accomplishment: To have attended college while raising 3 children and caring from my ill husband, and to have graduated.

Best vacation I’ve taken/dream vacation: Hawai’i

Favorite weekend activity: camping

Last good movie I saw: The Pursuit of Happyness

Scariest experience: Car accident when I was 6 months pregnant with my last child

If I had a million dollars I would… of course, buy homes for children, then travel to Europe for 2 months.

Favorite place to shop: Kohl’s

Favorite childhood memory: Large family gatherings at least one time a month

Words that describe me best: dedicated

I like to watch: CSI Miami

In my spare time… I read, garden, craft & beads

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is… hard work and determination will get you where you want to be in life.