Our people: Living life to the fullest

My name is Valeree Austin. I have been married to my husband, Dale, for 14 years. He is in the United States Air Force and we have moved 9 times in the last 14 years including a tour in England where my youngest daughter was born. My oldest daughter was born in South Carolina in the same hospital where my husband and I were both born. I currently work with two-year old children, and I am working on my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a teacher when I was a child. I would always make my sisters play school and be my students. After I receive my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, I plan on pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

How did you meet your spouse?

I met my husband through my best friend on a blind date. I was at work (Food Lion) and my best friend came in to see me. She told me about a great guy that was her boyfriend's roommate and that we needed to meet. I was unsure, but decided to give it a try. We went on a double date that night to a sushi restaurant. We tried different sushi rolls and we hated each roll. We had an instant attraction and have been in love ever since. Now, years later, we absolutely love sushi and each other.

What is your theme song?

I would say my theme song is either "Happy" by Pharrell Williams or "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

My perfect day would be sleeping in. Then waking up to coffee and my husband's eggs benedict. Then watching movies with my children and husband in my pjs. Then heading out for manis and pedis with my girls (children). Then ending the day with sushi and card games at home with my family.

If you could have a super power what would it be and why?

I am always late to everything in my life and this includes my own wedding and birth. My husband jokes that I will probably be late to my own funeral, and he is more than likely right. If I had a super power it would have to be either pausing time or having super speed. This would help me be on time and get everything accomplished in one day.

What do you collect?

I collect state and country coffee mugs, spoons, and ornaments.

How would I liked to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a good mom, wife, daughter, and sister who absolutely loved her family and would do anything for them. I would also like to be remembered as a person who always was gave it her all and lived life to the fullest. I hope that I would be remembered as someone everyone called their friend. Lastly. I hope that my love, kindness, and compassion for others would be remembered.

Favorite quote?

Currently my favorite quote is "Super Mom by day, Super tired by night." My all-time favorite quote would be, "Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will."

What would you want for your last meal?

I would want a salmon delight sushi roll, a seafood boil, and pavlova.

What do you hope your life would be like in 10 years?

I hope to be retired on a boat sailing the world or traveling the country in a RV with my husband in the next 10 years. There is a chance I could have grandchildren and if this is the case, I would love to live close enough to spoil my grandchildren.

- Compiled by correspondent Celina Avallone McHale