The Faces of the Golden Strip is pleased to introduce you to Tiffany McElveen in her own words.
I am an educator, married to my high school sweetheart and a mom of two beautiful children, and a native of Kingstree, South Carolina. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University in 2005. Upon completion of graduation, I moved to Greenville, SC. My teaching career began at Woodmont High School in 2007. I then moved to Mauldin High School as an Assistant Principal. In 2019 I moved to Bryson Middle School as an Assistant Principal.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two children, a 9 and 6 year old both attending a surround elementary school. My son a sports fan; basketball, football and baseball. He has played all sports with Fountain Inn Recreation Center since the age of 3. My baby girl his is biggest cheerleader.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love about what I do is inspire students to be the best they can be. I have a passion for motivating students to work to the best of their ability. I love working with all ages.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurant is where any of my family members are. My aunts and uncles are the BEST cooks, so I’m favorite is in my hometown eating with my family. If I’m in Greenville County, Adams Bistro and Milano’s are my favorite.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Fountain Inn for 15 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I have met in our community is all parents and students. I have worked with students for over 16 years, inside and outside of schools so being around them is always interesting. I have observed so many parents over the past few years, and I have most proud of single parents. Thought they may not be able to have all the resources to provide for their child, they always find a way to make “magic” happen. Parents and students
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit Dubai and South Africa. The culture of both places interest me and they are both beautiful.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Advice I would give to others is to be the best you can be! Never let anyone determine your outcome…you are the gatekeeper to your success.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My bucket list consist of traveling to Dubai and South Africa. Also to help my husband’s business grow to it full potential. It will happen in due time, but we are super anxious to see the “fruit of our harvest”.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Milano’s makes me feel the most nostalgic due to the customer service. My family and I eat there frequently.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose my former teachers in school. I would love for them to know what I have going on now and to meet my children. We would eat at Adam’s Bistro.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love living in Fountain Inn, it has the small town feel that I had when I was little. I want me children to experience the same feel.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In five to ten years, I see me leading a school or a school district. Developing teachers and students to be their best.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know that I love crafting.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The beach in California, love being able to see the beach and the mountain in the same setting.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband challenges me each day…I have not experienced anything without him being by my side. I have known him over half my life, so we have been through a lot together.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Neighbor means to me someone who you can reach out to in time of need, good or bad. This can be in any capacity, rather someone being side by side or someone in which you share a common interest in.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Culture and Freedom to be yourself.
