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Blessed to be a GAVRT Intern

2009-06-16 14:04:24 -- By Alicia Scarberry

Hello!!! My name is Alicia Scarberry. I am blessed to be a GAVRT Intern and got the once in a lifetime opportunity of being a part of the LCROSS Mission. The LCROSS Mission is the very first to have the students take control. We get the chance to be the source of monitoring the health and status of the spacecraft. It is incredible because the students are stepping into the shoes of the scientists! There are many possibilities to collect data throughout this mission. With the use of the Square Inverse Law, we can find the distance of the spacecraft by measuring the strength of the signal. We can also find the radial velocity using the Doppler Effect. The possibilities are endless.

The greatest part about involving the students is inspiring them to reach far and beyond the stars. Most children could never imagine working for NASA. I never believed that was a possibility. Now I know, anyone who is dedicated and determined can fulfill that astonishing dream.

As a GAVRT Intern, I was chosen to go to Florida to attend the LCROSS Launch. I freaked out with joy and laughter at the thought of this chance. Currently I am anticipating the Endeavor Launch tomorrow and hopefully the LCROSS Launch Thursday. So far the trip to Florida has been truly amazing. We arrived at the Space Kennedy Center early this morning and Ohhhh man!!!! What a site to see!!! From the Spectacular Rocket Garden to the Historical Gift Shop, every aspect of the center is an exciting adventure.

One of my favorite experiences of this trip is meeting the NASA Employees. No matter what career path, passion is evident. I absolutely loved meeting Brian Day!!!! He is such a caring and vibrant man. I also enjoyed meeting the Deputy Project Manager, John Marmie. We got the chance to hear John give a very informative Power Point on the LCROSS Mission. NASA is not only a team, but also a family to be proud of. I love and appreciate the respect shown to all. We also got the opportunity to be a part of an LCROSS Webcast with Andy Chaikins. He is a sweetheart! I got to interact and share along with other GAVRT Teachers and Students. Enthusiasm and I have to admit nervousness filled the room. We all ended up speaking with great professionalism, passion, and sincerely showed that GAVRT really is a wonderful program.

 I have had so much fun and I am even more stoked for the days to come. I am so unbelievably grateful for the opportunities given to me. I have been motivated beyond words through the GAVRT Program, The Lewis Center For Educational Research, and NASA. This trip has been beyond my expectations. I will forever cherish the kindness shown to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the environment of these unique programs. Inspiration shines in the hearts of these influential people. This has been an unbelievable experience. I never dreamed of being a part of such an important part of history! We are most definitely making history and because of these experiences, I believe anything is possible!