Wow

Today was a fantastic day at work again. We did our 21st century skills workshop where we got to create our own school and cirriculum. Although the activity was a little bit dry, it was a great opportunity for the NASA INSPIRE crew to communicate. They are all very bright, intelligent, and most importantly MOTIVATED young men and women. They work hard and are well-spoken and fluid when put on the spot for presentations. Their incredible apptitude in computer science, physics, and math astounds me more and more each and every day as I feel good and bad growing pains that come along with this NASA Internship. Mostly though, I really am just taking all of the good stuff in. It is really incredible how much information one brain can hold.

The 21st century skills reminded me a ton of my time at home with my wonderful researcher and star student/librarian that I am blessed to have as my mother. There was a really great video that was shown on this (with great music) today at our workshop that I'll put a link to below.

I also attended a division meeting today on diversity and safety at the workplace. It was great because we watched "A Class Devided" which I had already seen in history class (never thought that class would ever come in handy but thank you Mr. Wright). I actually could contribute to the discussion because I had already seen it and a few extra interviews with the people from the movie years later.

I also got a very cute text from my mom. Apparently Lily(the dog) is taking up the swimmer role for the summer... and when I saw the picture of my girl swimming i was so proud. I miss her a lot (an my FAMILY and FRIENDS), but I try to keep positive outlooks in the back of my mind at all times and keep hiking up this seemingly ginormous hill. I have a long way to go this summer (first task being to take an 8.5 hour course and read a 400 page instructional text). But it is nice to have a hiatus here and there for meetings or presentations. All of which inspire and put me in a state of utter AWE.

I really cannot describe this internship in words any more because it is nothing like anything I have ever done in my life before. Bigger than my 5 mile runs, or 6000 yard swims. This is bigger than the pressures of New Trier and bigger than any trip I've ever taken.

The Independence is gratifying but is a HUGE challenge. I've learned that a smile and a good firm handshake always works well. That along with a suit and badge makes you on the A list (hopefully) for interns here at the Glenn Center.

Samantha is awesome... really easy to relate to and fun loving. I like that we all get along well as a group and for recreation night I think I might get a chance to run (how far is DABATABLE).

Peace Faith and Love,
Olivia