This summer I am working in the Public Affairs Office working on Documentary films. My current project involves working with a film crew from National Geographic in arranging film locations, following safety policies and procedures for NASA facilities, obtaining permission from the various building facility managers to shoot film and coordinating with the astronaut office to secure the astronauts time. This particular documentary is following the STS-105 crew through their training preparations for the mission on July 12. The philosophy behind the film is to capture a more human element of a mission, not just the crew but also all the hundreds of people who are involved in making a launch successful, including the families. The film crew will be spending time with the families outside of work and really getting to know the astronauts on a more personal level.

I think I have the greatest job of all here at JSC! I get to work with all different departments, meet all types of people, talk with the astronauts, and share everything I know and am learning with all of you. I have spent time out in the Shuttle and Station Mock-ups, been in the virtual reality lab, watched a crew in the SES Dome, where they practice docking the shuttle to the station, and even watched an EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) suit-up out at the NBL (Neutral Buoyancy Lab). The NBL is where the astronauts practice their EVA’s for when they are up in space. Not many people understand the amount of time and effort that goes into training an astronaut so I feel privileged to be able to be a part of something so spectacular. I think for me that was the motivating factor behind wanting to work for NASA – the feeling that I am really part of a very progressive, forward thinking environment. When people get caught up in their day-to-day responsibilities of work it can be difficult to remember where their interest started. Yet, when you have the opportunity to watch a shuttle launch and see the pride that occurs on every single face watching, you know. Its that feeling that can carry you through your day, knowing that you are a part of history, a part of something that makes your heart race and makes you want to call all your high school friends and say “aren’t I cool?”

Another thing you will notice at JSC is the amount of acronyms that are used. After a while it becomes like regular lingo to us and we tend to forget that y’all aren’t used to them so when and if you need any clarification please don’t feel bad asking!

Outside of work I roller-blade, hike, and hang with “the girls” and of course one of my favorite past-times going to the beach. Galveston isn’t the same as Hawaii but it does in a pinch. I play the flute and have volunteered with junior Achievement working with second graders. I love to read, go to the movies and basically anything that I learn something at I’ll do. I tend to look at life as school and am always interested in meeting and getting to know new people. I am really excited about the opportunity to participate in TASP and equally excited to work with all of you!!