Valeka: But, it was really a self-lived, self-realization for me. But, I don't know it just really let me know that I've never really been the type of person to do something that I don't like. So, if I don't like something then I'm not going to do it. I don't care what anybody thinks. So, I wasn't liking track and field anymore and I did not want to do it. My heart was not singing for it. I was doing just because it was something to do and I was good. It was going to pay for me to go to school but, I felt like that wasn't a good enough reason to sit there four years doing something that I didn't want to do. I have to love what I do. Every single moment of my life. It's torture to me if I don't. So, the journey that it has set me on is, always listen to my gut and do what I love to do. I'm happy that I've learned that at such a young age. I was eighteen, nineteen when I made that decision. I am so happy to have the guts at that age to listen to my hearts desires. To listen to that voice that we all have. Be like you know what you really want to do. Don't hide behind track and field. You want to tell stories, tell your stories. Through all of the adversity, I just remember everything that I've done and been through o get to where I've
wanted to be. So, it's taught me a lot about myself.
Anzzia: That decision ultimately led you onto a path to meeting your husband, right? You met your husband later on in grad school?
Valeka: I met him before grad school. I met him at a fundraising gala raising money for black students in D.C., to go to private school. I went to private school in D.C. Once I graduated from undergrad from the state I always said that I would give back. Because so much before this had to be for me to be able to go to such a prestigious school in Washington D.C. So, I met him at that foundation. He was fundraising, to raise money. Jason and I are both philanthropic.
Anzzia: See? Oh, wow! I love that! How long has it been that you guys have been married now?
Valeka: We’ve been married eight years. It will be nine years in February.
Anzzia: Oh, wow! That is so amazing! Well, congratulations!