My NASA Astronaut Interview

Jan 16th, 2009 | By Admin | Category: Current Topics of Interest, NASA Astronaut Selection 2009
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These last few days have been some of the best of my life. I interviewed for my dream job and in the process I got to meet some amazing people. What more could you ask for? Interviewing for the Astronaut Program isn’t just about the interview. It begins with meeting your astronaut candidate group. These are the men and women who come the same week as you. This round NASA has invited two groups during the week. Group 1 shows up Sunday-Wednesday/Thursday and Group 2 shows up Tuesday and leaves Friday/Saturday. I am in Group 2. Here is my group below:

There is a social on Wednesday night with both groups and Astronauts. It’s a time for everyone to relax, be themselves, and talk with the astronauts. It was a fun evening. I finally got to meet some of the Astronauts whose careers I’ve admired for a long time. They also encourage you to visit the Astronaut Offices during your time off. I enjoyed walking the hallways and looking at all the incredible photos on the walls. Fred, another candidate, joined me and we had a great time talking to the Astronauts.


Astronaut Offices from psyan on Vimeo.

Astronaut Terry Virts Sunita Williams

Another part of the interview experience are the behind the scenes tours. We got to go to the Mock-up Facility and actually got to go into the shuttle mock-up and I sat in the commander’s seat! It was absolutely awesome.

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Next we headed to the Mission Control Center and we visited the Mercury-to-Apollo Control Room first. The control room is a National Historic Landmark. Next, we went to the International Space Station Control Room and the Space Shuttle Control Room.

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But the best part of the process was my interview with the selection committee. The interview was only an hour long and it flew by. The committee made me feel welcomed and at ease. We covered a lot of information about me and my life. They really wanted to get a good sense of who I am and what I have accomplished so far. the conversation flowed and I think I did a good job. The true test will be if I get invited back for the second interview. Regardless of what happens it was an amazing experience and the people in my group are unbelievable nice, talented, and worthy of being a NASA Astronaut. I really hope someone from my group makes it all the way!

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42 comments
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  1. Tracy January 16th, 2009 4:27 pm :

    This is so cool, Sian!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

  2. Brian Shiro January 17th, 2009 7:03 am :

    Thanks for the post and congratulations on the interview! I’m trying not to be jealous :) Good luck!

  3. Diloylo January 17th, 2009 7:48 pm :

    Oh Sian! Unbeleaviable beauty. When I look at the pictures, you look so belong there, my heart feels like it will burst out of its cage with pure happiness. I know you inspired the interview committee with your down to earth personality. Can’t wait to see you again.

  4. Lillian January 20th, 2009 4:20 pm :

    Sian, your gorgeous smile says it all!

  5. Pat Manarin January 20th, 2009 4:21 pm :

    Dear Sian, What an exciting and wonderful opportunity! I know you have “The Right Stuff”!! Thanks for sharing the adventure with us!! I can’t imagine a better candidate. Pat

  6. Mary Marsh-Beil January 20th, 2009 4:40 pm :

    Sian, This is so exciting! I will keep sending lots of good thoughts your way for a second interview … which I belieive you will get! It’s going to be great to say “we knew you back when…” Best wishes!

  7. Sue Starrfield January 20th, 2009 4:40 pm :

    You look so comfortable and happy sitting in the cockpit and going through the activities. The second interview
    should go well.

  8. chris haines January 20th, 2009 4:58 pm :

    How exciting for you, your family and all of the Cougars back at SMCC. You make us so proud.
    The committee has to know how great of a fit you would be for NASA.
    Will think positive thoughts for you SP.
    Chris

  9. Sophie Rodriguez January 20th, 2009 5:08 pm :

    Sian,

    You are a true inspiration to all of us at SMCC. We have always known what a remarkable woman you are and have been to your student’s, co-workers and friends. I could only hope that the NASA interview committee sees the same qualities you possess and realize what an asset you would be to their program.

  10. Helen Smith January 20th, 2009 5:28 pm :

    Sian,

    The MSE Division is so proud that one of our own has been chosen to pursue this opportunity! How could they NOT invite you back for a second interview? You’re perfect for this program!
    Let’s plan a luncheon to share your experience with the campus.
    Helen

  11. Inez M-W January 20th, 2009 5:53 pm :

    That winning smile has already won over all the Martians. And I hear the man on the moon tallied ‘1′ in your favor.

  12. Jean Revie January 20th, 2009 8:05 pm :

    Sian your video was great. It inspired my little girl (10) who now wants to be an astronaut too. She loved the picture of you in the commander’s seat. We all think you would be a perfect fit for their program. So keep reaching for your goal!
    Jean

  13. Donna Barnes January 21st, 2009 6:40 am :

    Way to Go! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you move forward.

  14. Cliff January 21st, 2009 7:37 am :

    Sian,
    I am excited about this opportunity you are undertaking. Your attitude is great. Best of luck

  15. Sara January 21st, 2009 7:55 am :

    I think you’re in! Amazing!

  16. Linda Torres January 21st, 2009 8:54 am :

    Sian:

    Wow, unbelievable!!! Your gorgeous and happy smile from ear to ear says it all! What a great and memorable experience for you, I am so happy for you! Plus very proud that you work at SMCC, one of our homies!!! Have fun, good luck and you are a natural :)
    Blessings being sent your way!
    Linda

  17. Connie January 21st, 2009 9:57 am :

    Sian, stars are born and stars are made, you are meant to fly among the stars. Good luck on following your dream.

  18. Terry Leyba Ruiz January 21st, 2009 1:03 pm :

    What an incredible adventure for you! We are all so proud of you and you represent everything that NASA would want in an astronaut. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of your adventure…I look forward to the next chapter.

  19. Guillermo Zepeda January 22nd, 2009 9:18 am :

    Shazaaam!!
    Way to Sian! I’m praying for you regardless! Thanks for being an inpsiration to me! We shoot for the stars and even if you don’t hit em…we can come back and hit a few planets or the moon or where ever else God wants us to land!! EEHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

  20. Ann Scarbrough January 22nd, 2009 11:12 am :

    This website is awesome!You look right at home at NASA.

  21. Joyce January 22nd, 2009 11:40 am :

    Sian, this is so wonderful! We are all pulling for you!!

  22. Christie Poulton January 22nd, 2009 2:17 pm :

    I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. This is such an incredible experience—I’m enjoying hearing the updates and am full of excitement, nervousness, *hope*, and happiness for you. I’ll continue to send out warm wishes for success and look forward to hearing about the next step…

  23. Angie Milakovic January 23rd, 2009 6:40 am :

    Sian- FANTASTIC! OMG I loved your NASA video in the hallway. I wish I had more of an opportunity to get to know you rather than that night we were with the rest of the iGETTer’s in CC down by the outdoor concert! I wish you well and GOOD LUCK! It’s nice to be able to see you move forward like the rock star that you are. :)

  24. Jennifer Rychwa January 23rd, 2009 8:53 am :

    Yeah for you!!!!!! I’m so excited, and proud of you!!!! I’m so happy for you to be able to have such an out of this world chance!!!! My heart is pounding out of my chest, and I’m full of love and happiness for you! Good Luck Sian,… the huge amount of support and love that is sent your way, is all a testament of who you are! Thankyou for the updates, and sharing,…….Love you!!!! =)

  25. Ann Lindner January 23rd, 2009 9:33 am :

    Sian,
    This is a “meant to be”. All the world will love you as much as we do! Thanks for letting us be part of your adventure.

  26. Lauren Vanderhoven Murray January 23rd, 2009 10:03 pm :

    if i’d expect anyone there it would be you. way to go. congrads!!

  27. Kaatje January 24th, 2009 2:00 pm :

    Very cool–thanks for sharing and updating! Good luck, they’d be crazy not to pick you. :)

  28. Christine Scott January 24th, 2009 8:08 pm :

    I am sure you will make it!!! Good luck and remember us little people back on earth!

  29. Brent Burden January 25th, 2009 10:28 am :

    Sian,
    Congratulations on getting this far. You are an admirable person, and I am rooting for you to go all the to the stars, literally!

    Brent

  30. Maddy Franklin January 25th, 2009 3:26 pm :

    How exciting, A privilage to know you
    I just sense you should and will make the 2nd interview ++
    your brains, charisma, energy, smile, readiness & with the “flow” are all there
    Congrats & Best Always, Maddy

  31. Cate January 27th, 2009 11:04 am :

    Sian,
    LOVE love love the pics!!

  32. becca January 28th, 2009 10:21 am :

    good luck. i love seeing all these potential ascan’s blogging, it will be really neat if some of you keep blogging after your selection..

  33. Christopher Lusardi January 30th, 2009 12:59 pm :

    That movie was nice and the pictures fantastic. I can not verbalize my feelings or even begin to write them down. Thanks

  34. Dottie Morris February 1st, 2009 10:03 pm :

    I am really proud of you. My thoughts will be with you this week as you await the call.

    Best wishes to a dear friend,

    Dottie

  35. Mike Dardzinski February 1st, 2009 10:31 pm :

    Sian,

    Sian, Sian, Sian and Stars all week long!!!!!!!!!!!

    Best wishes,

    Mike

  36. Lace February 2nd, 2009 7:22 am :

    Sian,

    You go girl!! I’m so excited for You. Thanks for keeping us all informed on your adventures and success!
    We all hope that you make that second interview! Sian-Second Interiew! Sian-Second Interview! YAHOO!

    Congratulations!
    Lace

  37. Tall February 2nd, 2009 8:00 pm :

    Awesome job Sian! Keep up the good work. When you’re an astronaut you’ll have to come talk to my students. I’m sure their annoying questions won’t bother you one bit.

  38. Trent February 3rd, 2009 2:06 pm :

    Wishing you the best Sian! You have got what it takes to walk amongst the stars.

    Trent

  39. Elizabeth February 3rd, 2009 8:06 pm :

    Keeping you in my thoughts, Si! NASA interview NASA interview NASA interview… I really hope they call you up! They won’t be disappointed, that’s for sure!!! :)

  40. Judyann Edmonston February 4th, 2009 9:06 am :

    Scott and I are very hopefull for you this is a wonderful thing. I have sent the information to Dean and Mike.
    Love Judyann

  41. Eileen Chiaramonte February 4th, 2009 9:23 am :

    My best wishes to you Sian–what an exciting time for you and your family! Your mom keeps me informed, and I’ll be waiting to hear the news.

  42. Sandeep Sagar Gummalla April 9th, 2009 11:21 am :

    Eagerly waiting to hear good news from you mam!!!

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