Valerie Tobin Mantua, NJ

I live to laugh and laugh to live. I have an auditory processing disorder which means I don't hear information the same ways as others because my ears and brain don't fully coordinate. I don't think of this as a disability because it often results in humorous misunderstandings. My Name is VaL. I am in love with a dead guy, and also the greatest performer of the 20th century, Francis Albert Sinatra. I tend to spend $200 on Wawa's Turkey bowls during it's two month season. I am very afraid of spiders and try to avoid visiting countries where they are found eating birds.

I get a natural high from watching scary movies, and have to watch at least two a week, whether I know they're terrible or not. I am a daydreamer to the point where it's dangerous. This is because it often seems like I'm staring at people when I'm really just thinking deeply. The best way to describe this is when you are on a long drive, and you get to your destination, without really remembering the drive at all. Sometimes people think that I see them when they're walking my way and think I will get out of the way, but I do not because I am thinking and see nothing but my thoughts.

My life doesn't make much sense. I work as a server in a restaurant where I am constantly running into people while in deep thought, and my auditory processing disorder gives my guests the impression that I'm on drugs, half deaf, or just a complete idiot. I also go to Stockton College, which is known to be New Jersey's "Green College." I live on campus, which basically looks like a bunch of apartments placed in the middle of a campsite. Doesn't really make sense for a girl with a fear of spiders, but I'm here and I'm staying, if they'll keep me.