The 12 hour drive back from Florida has been an incredibly long one. I cannot tell you how many times I began to cry or ache to my core to be back with my Space Tweeps. I have thought a lot about what I would say about this.
I was so overwhelmed with emotion about the past couple of days. How do you put into words what I had just experienced...When It comes down to it, there are not enough adjectives in the english language to truly describe to someone what STS-135 NASATweetup was like. Talking to my mom on the phone after it all, I know I sounded like a bumbling baboon, but what happened at the STS135 NASATweetup truly shook me. It shook me like when the Shuttle broke the sound barrier...
I could go through and talk about all of the different events that happened during
the Tweetup, but I feel as though this blog will be far too long for anyone to have the patience to read. So, instead I thought I would address just awesome little moments that happened. It was unreal to meet NASA Astronauts and administrators. I just wanted to ask, what have I done that has made my kharma so great. The people we met and the amazing sights we got to see! Like We all thought we were going to miss the RSS Retraction, but what a pleasent surprise, we were there and whitnessed the unveiling of such a magnificent machine!
I feel like of all things I talk about on this, I should describe what the actual launch was like for me.
It was getting close the launch time and the Twent (Tweetup Tent) was emptying pretty quickly. We were all so
lucky to have just amazing seats to view the launch. One of my Tweetup housemates and I set up along the water by the flagpole next to the Countdown Clock. There was a staticy radio trying to pick up what was going on. I don't think any of us believed that that shuttle was going to launch until the ten second countdown began. 10... 9.... 8... 7... 6... the engines started...5...4.... 3... 2... 1... LIFT OFF!!! 
The most brilliant light shown from the launch of Atlantis. We all followed her up, tears streaming down my face. I saw this beautiful machine perform how it was supposed to perform. Without a hitch. The light was so incredibly bright, it was almost like looking into the sun. When Atlantis broke the sound barrier I literally felt it in my inner core. It shook me. It was such an unreal experience. One that you can't fully describe to someone unless they have experienced it.
Tears still streaming down my face as Atlantis passed beyond view. I looked over at my friend, we locked our gaze with one another and just shook our heads. we both new there was absolute nothing we could say to fully be appropriate for that moment. This nonverbal communication that was just an understanding of where we were and what we had just seen had no words. And no words were needed. I was sobbing as i walked towards the twent. I was just overcome with such an amazing feeling. The emotions I was feeling I still can't even describe. It took me a good 30 minutes before I had collected myself. My housemate friend and I share this moment with one another. I will always think of that moment our eyes locked and wont help but tear up. The NASATweetup event has been such a truly amazing experience. I have always been so very passionate abut my major in aerospace engineering. My passion has gotten me through some rough times in my major.
When I talk to freshmen, I always tell them to find what they are passionate about, that is what is the most important thing you could do for yourself. Being among people who are so passionate about space and seeing it go further has been so uplifting and so incredibly inspiring. My passion has been tripled of what it was. The speakers at the Tweetup were outstanding, every single one. There words spoke deeply to me. I am still crying even now thinking about the past few days. Chills still come when I think of so many different things. I have met some amazing people who I hope will forever stay apart of my life. I know that Stephanie and the @NASATweetup team will probably not read this, but in case by small chance they do. I tried to thank Stephanie at the Twent on Friday, but I started crying when I tried to tell her what this meant to me. So, we'll try this again.
Thank you so so very much for creating this. I just don't have enough words to describe how truly overwhelming this experience was. I have always been so passionate about my major and space exploration, to hear people talk about the future and to talk to fellow space enthusiast about the future was just such an amazing experience. I cannot say enough to feel like I have thanked the @NASATweetup team enough. We know you all worked so hard on these Tweetups, We can tell because of how life changing and inspiring they are. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this experience that I will truly always remember and will always look back on as a very important event in my life. Look for my face, I will be working for NASA one day. Taking human beings farther than we have even imagined. Neil Degrasse Tyson tweeted this:
@Neiltyson: If someone profoundly influences your life's trajectory, don't return the favor. Pass it along to others in need of awakening
I do believe the American people need an awakening.
There are many in doubt that there will be much more after the Shuttle Program. Which they all need to know NASA has a plan. SUPPORT them. They need OUR backing. Stay involved in the amazing work that is done with NASA. Space IS important.
"This isn't the beginning of the end, it is the end of what was our BEGINNING." ~ Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator
Keep your sights turned high. This isn't the end. Far from it. And I can guarantee that I will be one of the ones to be sure of that.
