5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Houston, we have lift off.

The two weeks of my July holidays were spent at NASA in America. Chaotic and fun-filled, the weeks were full of laughs and unexpected twists. Our first destination, Houston.

One of the highlights of the week was visiting mission control. There we learned that they need to be in contact with the International Space Station 24/7, and have people there all the time. Rice University was another out of this world experience. We met a guide at the entrance to make sure we didn’t get lost on campus of this huge university. We were shown around some of the different rooms and the massive library. Next we entered the infinitesimal world of the cell lab at the Health Museum. We became scientists as we donned a stylish lab coat, glamorous safety glasses, fashionable gloves, and a snazzy face mask. We explored the world of cheek cells, saliva and deoxyribonucleic acid (or DNA for short). 

We were allowed to have a short break to engage in cultural immersion activities. Our first activity was to attend a baseball game. Multiple Santas even managed to turn up for Christmas in July, wearing shorts. Next, we had a chance to get lost in a gigantic mall. I managed to find my way out, somehow collecting a few extra bags on the way. We then said a sad goodbye to Houston, but hello to Huntsville.

Week 2 was packed with interesting and full-on activities. We got to go to the Moon and the International Space Station! Not really, we just did simulated missions of going there (so disappointing). I’m kidding, it was awesome! On the simulated missions, I got to do an EVA (extravehicular activity or spacewalk), be a mission specialist (first mission), and be a mission leader (second mission). On the spacewalk, I installed a solar panel. I know it doesn’t sound very exciting but it’ll sound much more exciting when I tell you how I did it. We were sitting on some pretty amazing chairs that simulated zero gravity, cool right? We also got to see the most rockets ever launched at the same time. Over 5000 of them! These little rockets broke the Guinness world record for the most rockets launched at the same time. We even got special shirts for it and everything! The reason, it was the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing.

Overall, the whole two weeks were amazing. It was totally worth all the sausage sizzles and cheese rolls. I was extremely tired when I got back but I made lots of friends who I’m still in touch with and I would definitely go again. Thanks also to the PTSA for their funding assistance.