If you can recall from my last post, I wanted to share my first space shuttle launch experience. One of the coolest things about being here at Embry-Riddle is that you are only 60 miles from the cape and you are able to see every launch from campus so long as it’s not cloudy. Back in August, I witnessed the launch of space shuttle Discovery (STS – 128). After liftoff, I was totally speechless. It’s an event that will be forever embedded into my mind. To be honest, I was so overwhelmed and amazed by the event that I got all teary eyed. To top it off, Nicole Stott, who graduated here from Embry-Riddle, was onboard making her way into space for the first time. I will surely never forget that night.

There was also a Delta II launch that occurred back in the beginning of September. The launch wasn’t publicized but I was fortunate enough to tune into Spaceflight Now’s live webcast a few hours in advance. I rounded up a few of my friends that day and we headed towards the south side of campus to view the launch. It was one thing to be able to see the shuttle liftoff from about 7 miles from the pad but even being 60 miles out, it’s still an epic sight.

Last year, I entered an art competition that was sponsored by NASA. Recently I received my certificate in the mail for making honorable mention in the contest. It’s the first time I have ever had an official document from NASA with my name on it! I plan to re-enter this year’s competition hoping to improve on my 3D design/render. I have always had a knack for 3D computer animation and graphics. As a hobby of mine, I teach myself various 3D software applications to create just about anything my mind can think of. The work can be quite tedious but nonetheless, I always enjoy it. You can view some of my work on my website. It hasn’t been updated since the beginning of this year, but it has been on my to-do list for quite some time now. I do plan to post more work in the near future when time allows from my studies here at Embry. Here is my certificate and design project from this past year’s NASA art competition.

Well it’s back to more work and studying. I’ll be writing again real soon but until then, I will continue on with my journey of working my way into space. See you out there!