Mission, Pigs, and Poems oh my!

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for the lack of updates. We've been extremely busy lately! Here are a few highlights from the past few weeks:

1. On Tuesday (January 19th) we started our training for the Mission! During mission and some class time we have to "identify" by saying "candidate (last name) and our team name. On Tuesday, we met in our groups and came up with team names: Andromeda, Star Fleet, US Minerva and Star Struck. Beautification also became more serious, now including grades and higher standards. Everyone is a bit overwhelmed but excited about the training and preparation for the biggest (and possibly most stressful) culmination yet! This week in class we learned how to decode secret messages, the numerous buttons in a cockpit and how to wrestle with your ethics. After learning about different ethical issues, we had to make an informed decision whether to participate in a fetal pig autopsy... or not. Training for mission is intense, exciting and fun! 4 days until lift off!!!!!!!!

2. This week, we did a fetal pig autopsy in both cores! It was rather gross for some, and extremely interesting for others. It was cool however, to see the "insides" and the different organs in the body. We even had extra time to look more, one group even cut through the skull to the brain! It was beneficial to our mission culmination prep and forensic unit in science!

3. On Friday, January 29th, we had our first Poetry Reading!!! Stressful for some and fulfilling for others, the reading was a great time to share, listen and reflect. The lab was set up nicely, with a spot light, microphone and flowers. A shout out to Ms. A for hosting, reading a quick "blurb" about each girl and their poem, and endless support to all of us. The first of three readings, was fun, successful and exciting! Pictured is Zoe Hall.