Amanda Frink

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

I watched a lot of Tom & Jerry. I remember coming home from school, getting off the bus, walking home, and that was the first thing I did. There was probably DuckTales and some other shows in there, but I think I watched my fair share of Tom & Jerry, and I still think its funny. Maybe thats a sign of a really good cartoon: The humors really timeless.

What is the worst job youve had?

The hardest job Ive ever had, which usually constitutes the worst, has been the foodservice industry. Whether it be making coffee or serving people food, its a hard job; its hard to please people all day and keep a smile on your face; your feet are tired. And a one-off comment from someone can make you want to cry because its not your fault. One time I had someone take the straws out of their espresso and throw them at me because I got something wrong. So I have such a respect for people in the service industry; it is not an easy job dealing with all sorts all day. I feel like society would be a lot different if every person was required to put in even one day in a restaurant or a motel, just to get a feeling what its like in their shoes. Maybe when Im queen, thats what well do.

What is the best advice you ever received and who gave it to you?

I was going through a tough period. I think it was in college. Everything bad seemed to happen at once. My brother (Karl Frink) called to check up on me. One of the people I was having a falling out with, we were talking about it, he said to me, You know when you let them upset you like that you relinquish power to them and they have power over your day and power over your life. Ive never forgotten that. I use that a lot still. Ive used it in this job, Im not going to lie.

What is something youre not very good at but love to do?

Bowling! I probably bowl once every couple of months. Its just so much fun. I just go to have fun. I have a mean granny shot and a pretty awesome victory dance.

Whats your favorite Peninsula event?

The Rod Run. Im a Beach Baron, so Im biased. Seeing the vintage cars and being with so many like-minded people who are passionate about vintage cars its just a neat experience. I think everyone should experience it at least once in their life. A close second is the Fourth of July Parade in Ocean Park. That is the best example of small-town America on the West Coast.

What song makes you crank up the volume?

Anything by Missy Elliott or Ludacris. Its just good booty-shaking music.

If you were given a few minutes to speak with the President of the United States, what would you say to him?

Are my calls as interesting as you thought theyd be?

The fact about me that people find most surprising is ….

The fact that I was born on Christmas Day, which has pros and cons. When youre in elementary school the big thing is you get to go to school on your birthday and bring cupcake and theres a party theres nobody at school on Dec. 25. So we just moved my birthday: When I turned eight, it was Dec. 8, when I was nine, it was Dec. 9. My mom told me I was on my own when I turned 25.

Did you have a favorite teacher in school?

Deac Guidi, my speech and communication teacher at Clatsop Community College. He made the material so interesting, so entertaining and almost addicting in a way. I never thought a class where you had to speak in front of people would be fun, but he made it fun. Thats one of the driving forces why I studied communication because of the way he presented it at the community college.

Name one thing thats on your bucket list.

To see all 50 states. I love to travel. Ive been fortunate enough to see eight countries, but Id really like to experience the entirety of our country too. And hopefully if I get to do that Ill get to cross another thing off my bucket list, which is to see lightning bugs.

Reporter Amanda Frink has moved on to bigger and better things in the big city of St. Helens, Ore. She worked for the Chinook Observer for six years, starting as an intern in 2006 after graduating from Washington State University. She was hired full time in 2007. Amanda is a 2001 Ilwaco High School grad who had lived on the Peninsula since 1995. The staff at the Observer wishes her well.