Valerie was an air force brat, so she moved all around during her childhood. The place she remembers best is Biloxi, Mississippi – where she lived for 4 years (the longest out of all the places she lived as a kid). Valerie took the Open Water course with Shelby through Columbus Scuba in 2016. She decided to learn because she loves the ocean but would rather be in it than on it. She thinks it was the best decision ever! Her most memorable dives were in Indonesia because of how many sea turtles she saw. Valerie’s future diving goals include continuing to enjoy and learn more about the ocean. She also wants to help with conservation projects and share her love of diving with others.