Outside of my family, I was always inspired by true heroic stories of leadership and survival. For example, the story of the Shackleton expedition, when their ship became lodged in the Antarctic ice pack while exploring.
While you're in space, you grow in height! Without the constant force of gravity on your spine, it stretches out, and you're actually taller when you land. It doesn't last long though.
When I was at the South Pole, the coldest it got - and I didnβt go outside - was minus 111. That was during the winter, so itβs dark 24 hours a day, and for some of our jobs, we are required to go outside, even in weather like that.
I have truly been inspired by the struggle and triumphs of so many women that dare to break new ground in all aspects of society, and those who have pushed the boundaries of human imagination.
I've always been into things like exploring and science on the frontiers. I had pictures of space up in my room way back in middle school, right next to the boy band posters!
All astronauts, even civilians like me without pilot experience, have to learn how to co-pilot a jet called a T-38.