It has been so hectic already this year and it is only February. We found a leak underground at our house and needed plumbers to come in to dig up the floor, we had 2 family emergencies this year, and the Jaguars won’t be going to the Superbowl! Okay, that last one really isn’t terrible, but still! On the bright side, school has been going very well. I got the wonderful opportunity from our faculty advisor at Society of Women in Space Exploration (SWISE) to volunteer at a Space conference in Orlando, Florida called SpaceCom 2024 & The 50th Space Congress! I had such a great time both days of the conference. Some other SWISE members signed up to volunteer as well, and we all had a great experience!
The conference was held at the Orange County Convention Center. It was a huge place, but perfect for a conference! The walk from the parking lot to the convention hall was 15 minutes.
There was also an expo/ job fair going on there where I got to meet so many recruiters, companies, and officials. I even got a t-shirt from the Italian Trade Agency. It was nice to see my ancestor’s origin country so involved in the space industry!
I forgot how many benefits there are to getting up early: good lighting, fresh coffee, and best of all, a beautiful sunrise! I was up each morning at 5 a.m. to get ready, grab gas, grab coffee, and pick up some students from school to carpool. It was a clear, beautiful morning each day we went and seeing the sunrise alone was worth it!
The conference was a great time. This year, I will be attending at least 2 conferences, with the second coming up in March. I am so excited to be attending the Women in Aviation conference with Gaetz Aerospace Institute! This year must be my year of opportunities, because they just keep coming!
SWISE had the opportunity to feature Mrs. Samantha Bowyer as a guest speaker at our most recent general club meeting. She is a CFII and works at Embry-Riddle in the Aeronautical Sciences department teaching flight. I have known her for 9 years now: she used to be my teacher in high school when I was in the Technology Engineering Science and Aviation (TESA) Academy at Atlantic High School! It was so wonderful to see her again and catch up. I am glad I reached out to her to come speak at SWISE!
I love this time of year for its spring temperatures, beautiful flowers, spring break, Mardi Gras, and Girl Scout cookies! Cookie season has always been important to me: when I was a Girl Scout and even as an adult. I always supported my local troop and the girls by purchasing cookies! They now have gluten-free cookies for Celiacs like me – what a time to be alive. I always buy for family and friends too, especially if they don’t have access to any cookie booths.
Speaking of Girl Scouts, I am signed up to run the annual Trefoil 5K in Orlando next month! I will be going with some friends, and even some SWISE members if they want to sign up too! The 5K registration includes a t-shirt and a finisher medal (which I collect).
For Valentine’s Day this year, my fiance and I decided to celebrate the weekend before, since we both have things going on on the 14th. He surprised me with a steakhouse dinner on the water and some beautiful flowers. We celebrated in the city of Jacksonville and it was a wonderful time.
And finally I have some good news this year that is coming soon, so stay tuned!
Ciao for now!
