Our people: Traveler likes spicy food, Earl Grey tea

Retired Clovis school teacher Rhonda Roberts sent The News an email suggesting an interview subject for "Our People."

Roberts recommended her niece, Shauma Brown.

"She's very interesting," Roberts wrote in an email.

So The News sat in Brown's office and asked questions to find out why her aunt regards her as "very interesting."

Q: Where were you born?

A: Okinawa, Japan. My father was in the Air Force.

Q: What do you remember of that place?

A: I like to say I remember water but I could have just made that up.

Q: What is your first memory?

A: Probably throwing a tantrum at Sea World in San Antonio.

I wanted the biggest stuffed Shamu.

I wasn't going to get it, so I threw a big tantrum.

But two or three years later my mom bought it for me.

Q: What brought you to the area?

A: My mom is from here.

When Mom and Dad got a divorce she brought us back here.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A sign language interpreter or speech pathologist.

I went to speech pathology grad school and found out it was not for me.

Q:

What is your career?

A: I am an English teacher at Clovis Community College.

I got my bachelor's degree at the University of New Mexico, my master's from Wayland Baptist University and I'm working on my doctorate from Texas Woman's University.

What I like about my job is when my students have that "lightbulb moment," when they understand what I have taught them.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My mom's great.

She's tough, but she raised me right.

My uncle and aunt are the absolute best.

All of them are retired, enjoying retirement.

I'm so jealous.

Q: In suggesting we interview you, your aunt said you are "very interesting." What makes that true?

A: That's my aunt, Rhonda Roberts.

I don't know why she thinks I'm interesting. Probably because I can fix all their technology issues.

I travel often. I think she likes hearing about my adventures.

And I still have a Blackberry.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever seen?

A: I went to Iceland for my birthday last August.

On the flight, they had a film, "Welcome to Our Country."

It was narrated by an elf named Elvis.

He had instructions and tips for seeing Iceland, including don't throw rocks because you may hit a fae (fairy) house.

"Pay attention because of the sheep, cows and horses that may be in your way," he said.

The film warned of trolls in northern Iceland "because they will cause you trouble."

Q: What is your favorite smell?

A: Earl Grey tea. It's a good smell.

Q: What's your favorite song?

A: "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.

Yes, I will conquer all things. I will make it.

Q: Do you have a favorite city?

A: Las Vegas, Nev., I like the best.

It's not humid, there's always something to do.

And the food. If you want to try something new to eat you can.

Q: Tell us about your favorite movie and why you like it.

A: "Clueless." It's based on Jane Austen's book, "Emma."

I think it's a real good version of it, a very good modern version of a book that's still relevant.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Anything spicy.

The spicier the better.

Since I'm in New Mexico, green chile is the food.

I can't leave here.

Q: What is your perfect day?

A: A nice sunny day that's not windy.

I wake up at 5 in the morning.

I make a good cup of tea.

And then I read something good that teaches me something.

Q: What is your favorite saying or quote?

A: "So it goes."

That's from Kurt Vonnegut.

It's my version of the "Serenity Prayer."