NASA Ames Research Center Education 2007 Summer Interns Graduate

On August 3, the closing ceremony for the 2007 NASA Ames Summer Internship Program was held at Ames.

Forty-nine students are 2007 Ames Higher Education graduates. Brenda Collins, University Affairs Officer, opened the ceremony by reminding the students that they are now part of the NASA family. “We will always be here to support you as you transition into the workforce,” Collins said. Angela Diaz, Directory of Strategic Communications and Development, was a keynote speaker.

Diaz reinforced this message. “You are a part of the NASA family now,” Diaz said. “Email, place a call, write a letter to us if you are thinking about a career change. People will work with you.” Another important message from the ceremony is to not be afraid to be the first to do something. “Be comfortable to be doing something first without a template. Create the model yourself,” Diaz said.

LaTasha Taylor, another keynote speaker, continued this message. Tayler was the first African American to work at the Centro de Astrobiologia in Spain. She is currently working as a Systems Engineer for Lockheed Martin. Throughout Taylor’s education, she has been motivated by NASA’s Education Outreach Programs. Taylor, with future plans to become an astronaut said, “NASA became my main motivator for excellence in my life.”