You can imagine how apprehensive I was about telling my parents about being accepted to participate in PAP. I know it seems silly given that fact that I was given the choice to accept or decline going, but I was accepted to attend the Phideza if I was inclined to do so, which is something a lot of students strived to do. I should point out that I was very indecisive about the matter as well; keep in mind that I had no intention of, or even considered the fact that I would be one of the 10 students given the opportunity to even go to the famed space station. So my feelings were very mixed at the time. I was only thankful that it was still the beginning of April and the deadline to accept or decline wasn't until the beginning of June. Plus, it would give me the opportunity to see what would be available to me if I decided to go.

Mrs. Hanson, on the other hand, was ecstatic; To think that one of her own students had been accepted to attend Phideza swelled her ego quite a bit...so much so that she bragged about it to every teacher in the entire school. And I know this because I heard her going on and on about it while passing her classroom, and that my other teachers congratulated me when we passed in the hall or when I went to their classes. I remained humble about it as best as I could, but word spreads quickly, especially in high school, and my fellow students were quick to find out that the quiet girl was going to space. You can guess my reputation leapt up quite a bit...so much that people actually started talking to me. Or trying to. All they really did was ask me if I was going or not, which I kept explaining that I hadn't decided yet. You could imagine this made me even more eager for graduation.

Since I knew that, in a small town like Breckenridge, news would travel fast, so I asked Mrs. Hanson - and my other teachers - to let me to tell my own parents the news myself. Fortunately for me, they obliged, and neither of them called my parents that day or any other.

I didn't keep the news to myself at all times, however, as I only had one person I could confide in, and that was Dominique. She was home visiting for the summer, so I was relieved that I had someone to talk to. As expected, Dominique was excited and proud that I had been accepted to go to Phideza, but was shocked to hear that I hadn't made up my mind about going or not.

"You haven't decided yet? Why? This is the greatest thing to ever happen to you!" She told me while we were out on our usual stroll through our hometown. "The greatest intergalactic university in the universe has accepted you! With a scholarship and everything! How could you not go??"

"I know, I know! I just..." I paused, stuffing my hands into my jean pockets. "I told you that I wanted to hold off on looking for colleges, and my teacher suddenly approaches me out of the blue telling me that Phideza has accepted me to attend their university as long as I accepted the invitation. And they want to hear back from by June - do you know what kind of pressure that puts on me?"

"Right, right. Sorry..." We walked in silence for a while, greeting and making small talk with those a part of the community. "So are you going to tell Mom and Dad?"

"I have to." I told her as we stopped near a park we used to frequent as children. "And I know they won't like it."

"Why not?"

"Because when I tell them Phideza wants me to attend their university, I'm going to tell them that I don't want a PhD or a doctorate of any kind. That's not my ideal career choice, and I'm not going to let them push me towards something I don't even want." There was silence between us after that, the only noise coming from the sound of other kids laughing and shouting in glee as they played on the playground. It was Easter Sunday around that time and school was out for a small vacation due to the holiday, so there were a lot of kids out that day. Of course they would be energized knowing that they had a four day weekend from school...and that they were mostly likely fueled by the sugar the consumed just hours before. Might have been both.

"You're really going to do that, huh?" My sister asked after what seemed like an hour of silence. "You know hat that means when they find out you don't want to seek out the career they want you to, right?"

I just sighed and shook my head. "I know, but I don't have anything else to lose. I'm not going to a college right away anyway."

"What about Phideza?"

I paused again, looking aside to the quiet intersection just in front of us. "I'll have to think about it."

I was well aware that my parents would cut me off finance wise once they knew I wanted to do something other than being the next IT major or be the next leading doctor. As I stated before, I was more interested in geology and what was buried in the earth, but we had just about uncovered everything my planet had to offer, so my findings would mean little to nothing if I had stayed and possibly found a college that offered that type of curriculum.Thinking back on it, there wasn't much to decide on as far as what I wanted for my education; Phideza would be the better choice given my ideal career, but even then I was still unsure, but I knew the subject appealed to me more than anything my parents had me studying when I wasn't in school. But bear in mind that I wasn't even a graduate yet and I already had the pressures of choosing a college long before the diploma could be put into my hands. I was only thankful that I had finished my exams by then.

It would only be another week before I would receive the confirmation letter via email one warm morning. And yes, we still use email, but now it has completely taken over regular mail and we can send or receive messages through the galaxies. The letter itself was unremarkable as it contained the standard fair of congratulating you for being one of the 10 selected to attend the college. What I didn't realize was that it wasn't just one letter, but several, all of which explained what was available to me if I decided to accept the offer, most of which explaining how they would provide most of what I needed such as funds and a furnished dorm while giving me a scholarship to do with as I pleased as I was free to chose any major, how many classes I wanted, and when to take them. After reading through and seeing various pictures of the space station itself and the college, I had to admit that I was pretty intrigued by the place midway through. I know I had stated many times prior that I wasn't looking for colleges right away, but Phideza managed to draw me in before I knew it.

I had finished through the initial introduction explanation of the program when I came to the next letter...which listed the requirements one needed in order to sustain themselves for a good while. Since you would essentially be moving out to a place of your own, you would be packing up everything you owned while attended Phideza, which I had expected beforehand as it was something to expect when going to college far from home. Then I came to the health requirement pages, which I had forgotten about.

I don't think I need to explain this, but I will just in case. You see, before one is able to travel through the galaxy, they have to pass various health tests before you can be approved to even board a ship, as well as do a course of survival training just in case your ship happens to malfunction mid flight and you find yourself stranded on an unknown planet. That's only if you're traveling to planets in your own solar system, but I was going light years away from the galaxy I called home, so the survival training wouldn't exactly be needed until I got to Phideza. What was required, however, was that I would have to push up my yearly physical with my doctor and enroll in a quick course that simulated space travel to see if I could handle the strain of interstellar travel. The updated records - if there are any - are sent to Phideza before my departure date, where they will send a confirmation or declination depending on the results. Bear in mind that this doesn't mean one had to be a severe health nut to attend -as long as you were cleared with a clean bill of health without the need for major surgeries or therapies, you were free to go. After all, Phideza was just the college on a space station - the Ark itself could be classified as a world itself as it had pharmacies that contained medicines from all over for the needs of those who lived there. As long as your doctor sent a prescription at the time it's needed, you had nothing to worry about.

With all that being said, I was confident in my health as I was a moderately healthy individual (I say moderately because I didn't exercise everyday of the week or have a nutrient rich diet like some people), it was the simulation course I was worried about, since I had no prior experience with space travel before now. Aside from that, there was nothing else to the letters, but there were two attachments to the initial email that I had almost overlooked; One was a form that you needed to fill out your initial information on if you decided to accept to go, while the other was a declination letter you had to sign if you didn't want to go. Again, all standard stuff. I bookmarked the letters for later when I finally decided on what I was going to do after I graduated...but deep down I already knew what I was going to do, but I needed a little more time to prepare myself.

April came and went and May rolled around before I knew it, as did my graduation. The entire family turned up for my graduation and the party afterwards (and by party I mean we went to the nearest Red Lobster for a luxury meal), although my parents were quick to point out that I was the last of their children to graduate from school. I didn't let it bother me though; I went to the ceremony in my cap and gown, accepted my diploma, and nearly ate myself into a cheddar biscuit coma before the end of the day. I had a great time, plus it was nice to see my oldest brother, my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents after so many years. I also decided to hold off on telling my parents my decision until the "graduation hype" calmed down to not ruin to mood, which I was inevitably going to do once news got out, but at least the blow would be less heavy once everyone had calmed down and my relatives had returned home.

At the end of the week, I had told my Dominique that I was planning to reveal the news that weekend, which she helped me prepare for the hellstorm I was about to unleash in the next 12 hours. Devon was still around having taking to month off to stay with us as part of his vacation, so I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing given I never seen or knew much of him since he left for New York all those years ago. Jeffar, however was indifferent, as always.

Saturday eventually came around, so after breakfast, Dominique and I gathered up the family for a meeting...although it as more of me sharing the news of my decision. With June right around the corner, I needed to send Phideza a reply soon...but even then I was still unsure on whether or not to go through with it and even considered backing out a few times. But I had promised myself and my sister that I would tell them before it was too late, so I would have to bite back my fears and get it over with, regardless of their reactions. We met up in the living room once we had finished with the dishes and whatnot, where my parents and Devon looked to my sister and I expectantly while Jeffar was too busy on his phone...which was quickly taken away by my mom.

"Well, let's not waste anymore time." I announced once I felt everyone had settled down. "I'll just cut straight to the chase; last month, I took the PAP survey while studying for my exams." Devon and my parents seemed to have perked up, then. Even Jeffar's pout had lessened at the mention of the survey. "And, well...a little while ago, I received an email from Phideza...I was one of the 10 students who were accepted."

"Really?" Devon was the first to speak, which surprised me. He was leaning forward on the couch, his voice full of surprise and...what sounded like excitement? "Well, what did you say? Did you accept?"

"Well..." I started, licking my dry lips before I continued. "I thought long and hard about it....and I decided to accept." That as actually a lie; while I did think long and hard, I hadn't reached a definite decision up until then, and blurted out that I accepted in the spur of the moment. My heart dropped when I was met with silence; Mama and Papa's faces were unreadable, and Jeffar almost looked angry. My only solace was the fact Devon seemed to be the only one who was happy, or at least accepting of my decision, which made the heaviness I felt lessen just a little.

"And what sort of curriculum will you seek while at Phideza?" My mom asked, although there was that stiffness in her voice that we all knew well; it meant we had one last chance to redeem ourselves for our "pointless endeavors," but I wasn't going to let my mom intimidate me this time. I know she wanted me to get a PhD or a doctorate or something along those lines as I had a lot of ground to cover since I was he last of four siblings to graduate. I was pretty tired of the pressures and high expectations, and looking back, I'm even more happy that I took this opportunity when I did or else I was sure to be in a less satisfactory position than I'm in now. In fact, I'm very certain I would be miserable.

"I don't know." I replied honestly, and I could already see the disappointment in my mother's eyes. "But I have been considering the geology field for a while. And given that I would be traveling to other planets, all of which have different environments and minerals for me to explore, there would be more available for me to help expand my education there than there would be if I stayed here." I happened to catch a glimpse of Papa whom showed a bit of pride swelling, which helped relieve my initial tension. "But it's not the only field I wish to explore; Phideza has a lot of fields that you wouldn't find on Earth, so there are so many options available!"

"Congratulations, Minuet!" Papa finally spoke with a small smile, ignoring Mama's disapproving look. "You're going to be the first one in our entire family to attend Phideza! You should be proud of yourse--"

"This is bullshit!" Mama and Devon's head snapped towards Jeffar, who was glaring daggers at me. "I have a higher IQ than you, I graduated two years before you, and I even took the survey before you! You were the last to graduate - how could an sophisticated establishment like Phideza chose someone so worthless?!"

"Jeffar!" Devon's voice boomed through the entire house, my little brother clamping his mouth shut and his rage calming down several notches. Devon always had this air and voice of authority over us next to Mama and Papa, although he had a real hold on Jeffar who needed to be knocked down a peg or two very often. His excellence through school and his jump in fame caused his ego to swell bigger than his head, and my mom didn't help that. He considered himself better than Dominique and I, but adored Devon and Papa, but I couldn't care less of Jeffar's opinions about me in regards to intelligence and education simply because I didn't seek the same academic popularity as he did. "Phideza doesn't care about how well your grades are when they select students; everyone is given and equal opportunity and Minuet was one of the 10 selected. That's something you have to live with, because your tantrum won't change that. Since you're so proud that you gained your diploma early, then act like the adult you're supposed to be, or else that plaque is as worthless as you claim your sister is."

Devon had never yelled before in his life, but his voice was so loud one would assume he was if anyone heard him now. That was enough to shut Jeffar down completely, and he deflated into the couch with his lip poked out. He may have been a 15 year old, but he acted like he was 5. I was only thankful that Devon was there to keep him in check, because Mama or Papa wouldn't have been able to do a thing, and he didn't listen to Dominique or I. What was worse is that I know Mama would baby him once this meeting was over, only fueling that already swollen ego of his. Regardless, I ignored his little outburst and continued on for the sake of wrapping the meeting up for good. "Well, anyway...I haven't sent them the acceptance form yet, but I plan to once this meeting is over. I'll have to set up an doctor's appointment and set of a schedule for the simulations but...if all goes well, I'll be leaving for the Ark come September. I'm going to be seeking out something different than what you want... this my decision....take it as you will."

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I wrapped up the meeting then and there and went straight to my room afterwards with Dominique right behind me. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous - my heart was beating against my ribs as I went to my room so I could fill out the form, but Dominique was there to inadvertently calm me down as I sat at my desk. "Don't listen to Jeffar. You're not worthless, especially since you're the one going to Phideza."

"Oh, it's not him I'm worried about." I dismissed the matter with a wave of my hand while I started up my laptop. "I knew Mama wouldn't approve but...this is what I'm deciding to do. She can cut me off financially if she wants - the university will provide me with a loan until I can get a job and support myself anyway." I filled out the form while Dominique sat on my bed and waited, the familiar ding! indicating that the email had been sent echoed through my room just before Devon knocked at my door. We were both surprised to see him; Devon was often busy with his own career and neither of us seen much of him since he left Colorado, but I noticed he seemed livelier after I shared the news about my acceptance to Phideza. It was a refreshing change in my big brother; Whenever he came around he seemed like a robot, his talk with our parents short and sometimes curt but nothing to where they ever got into an argument. I figured he was more like them since he was their firstborn, but I was beginning to see that wasn't the case at all.

What Devon came for was to let me know that he was going to take extra time off work to help me prepare for my trip, which surprised my sister and I. He never took time off work for anything regarding the family unless it was something like my graduation or a holiday. Nevertheless, I had to admit that I was happy to learn he would be staying longer as it would be a great opportunity for me to reconnect with the big brother I barely knew. "We might as well get the physical out the way," he said as he dialed the number to our family physician, but I could hear the eagerness in his voice. "Phideza will require up-to-date medical records to process before you arrive. That means you'll have to take a blood test when you go to the office. The simulation courses only last for a week to not put any further strain on you before you board the ship...We can schedule those for next month and you can use the remaining time to rest and pack up your stuff."

Devon set up my doctor's appointment before I could get a word in to protest, but I decided to let him be and have his fun. His entire demeanor brightened from what it was before as there was this childlike gleam in his eye I had never seen in him before. It was better to see life in him rather than his usual stoic face whenever we saw him. Besides, I loved the fact that, not only did I have my sister on my side, but now my oldest brother was going to support me. From the looks of it, I was worried for nothing, and I started to look forward to the next several months.

* * *

It's a bit difficult for me to describe what my life turned into once word traveled through Breckenridge that their recent graduate would be traveling through the galaxies fairly soon. Our town had expanded over the years as I stated before, but it was still smaller than most cities, so everyone just about knew each other and their families, and ours wasn't an exception. I couldn't walk down the street without being approached by a neighbor or fellow member of the community who congratulated me on going to Phideza or tried to probe me for information as to how I was able to get into such a well revered school in the first place. I became something of a celebrity to the neighborhood kids once they learned that one of the "big kids" was going to space (yeah, I know I was 18 at the time, but I'm a rather short girl, so I was considered a "big kid" by the children of Breckenridge), most of whom tried to brag that they were one of my closest friends just to bump up their own popularity, but I was quick to debunk those clais before it got out of hand.

I also got more emails from the university over the next couple of weeks, most which were mostly confirmation forms and lists of classes and activities that would be available to me once I arrived. The strangest piece of mail I received was something like a catalog that showcased several pieces of furniture and appliances. I would have dismissed if it weren't for the fact the catalog was for your dorm. After some more reading, I was tickled to see that the university allowed their students to pick out the furnishing for their dorms so it would be contoured to their comfort upon their arrival so the adjustment would be easier. The catalog featured furniture from planets all over, some I've never even heard of before. My sister can vouch for me when I say that my overall tastes were...lackluster. I didn't care if a couch was made of leather or velvet or if the silk curtains match the carpet; I always favored functionality over appearance, as well as unique pieces that one wouldn't normally find in someone's house as decor. And given the appearance of my own room, my sister often teased me saying my house would be Peewee Herman's worst nightmare. I actually spent more time looking through the catalog and trying to decide what to go in my dorm rather than pick out the classes I wanted to take. And the best part was that the university covered the costs, and it wouldn't effect my student loan if I was so inclined to get the most expensive pieces available.

I went in for my physical the following week where I had my immediate checkups such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, temperature and the like. My urine and blood tests wouldn't come back for a while, but the results would be sent straight to Phideza when they do come back. My simulation courses wouldn't be until July, so I used that time to plan my classes and what time of day I would take them. Because Phideza is on the Ark, which could easily be described as a massive galactic hub, it adjusts to the needs of various species on other planets such as time and climates. The time would be different there given I would be so many lightyears away, but not to the point where, let's say, I stay a day on the Ark but a year passes on Earth. I won't attempt to try to explain nor bore you with the details and will be as short and blunt as best I can so that you can understand. Long story short, even though I will be in an entirely different galaxy, a day on the Ark would also be a day on Earth. With that being said, I decided to take morning classes as it was just a personal preference of mine. Since it was my first year, I wasn't going to overload myself with too many classes and end up with heaps of homework. Plus, I wasn't exactly sure if geology is what I really wanted to pursue; it was a subject that interested me, yes, but I couldn't picture myself having that as my career back then, and I was curious about what else Phideza had to offer. So I picked two classes for my first semester: Planetary Science and Biology. I needed an elective course as well, which was more of an extra credit class, so I chose Spacecraft Engineering on a whim.

It's around this same time where I became aware of how much Devon and Dominique helped me through those several months as I prepared for my departure. I didn't expect any help from my parents,and Jeffar made himself scarce as possible, but Papa came around when it was time for my simulation courses. He didn't exactly trust the doctors on hand at NASA, so whenever he had a day off work, he would accompany Devon, Dominique and I but would be on standby with the other EMTs in case I experience a medical problem during the duration of the course. The simulations themselves weren't as arduous as I had initially anticipated; What it was mostly was me being put into various environments that replicated what would happen once I was on board that ship. There was a virtual reality course where I to experience what the launch would be like, adjusting to zero gravity, emergency procedures in case of a malfunction in the ship, and got fitted for my suit. We no longer required those chunky astronaut suits as we did a century ago, as we now had thermal skintight suits you would see in a sci-fi movie or video game. Each suit came with a protective chest piece, gauntlets, boots and a helmet. The gauntlets and helmets had communication devices, and the boots adjusted to any level of gravity. I would only have to wear the suit until I reached the Ark itself, where I could wear my normal clothes by then. Yeah, no special space suits needed there.

I passed the simulation courses with flying courses. Mostly. I had that one fainting spell during the zero gravity course, but only because I had spun around too much and made myself dizzy to where I passed out. That was a common thing for most first-timers in zero gravity, but I learned my lesson after that. Nonetheless, I was approved fit for space travel and the paperwork would be sent to Phideza without delay. My lab results also came back for my blood and urine tests, both of which revealed that I had no health problems that would prevent me from going. With everything set, all that was left was the actual trip there, which wasn't for another two months.

Nothing too remarkable happened from mid-July through August; Devon had to return back to New York after the 4th, and life carried on as normal for the rest of us back in Colorado. Dominique was still out on her summer vacation, so I wasn't completely alone where my only company would be disagreeing parents and a jealous-hearted baby brother. I did learn that Papa was the only one of my two parents who was happy for me in going to Phideza, although Mama was vocal in how she didn't approve of the fact that I was going to the best school in the universe but not to obtain a PhD. She and I didn't speak much after that, and I have already explained how much Jeffar hated the fact that I was going there and he wasn't. My big sister was my only solace, and I realized that she made the tension settle enough that it didn't make me anxious everyday. Mama and Papa got into a rather heated argument one day, where Dominique and I took that as a sign to leave the house for a while. We used our time out to get my Galaxy Tag (a Galaxy Tag is just the interstellar counterpart of an Earth passport)

In August I received more mail from Phideza, but now it contained my flight information such as the date of departure, the time, which shuttle I would have to board and the ticket itself. The university had its own shuttle that picked up students all over the world, and the shuttle I would be boarding would land on the 10th of September, but I wouldn't be leaving until the 13th at 10:35 that morning. Since my dorm would be fully furnished with what I needed, I only took my clothes, shoes, toiletries and just about everything else I owned except the bedroom furniture. It was like I was moving out, so a lot of my belongings went into boxes except for my carry-on, which contained my laptop, a few books and a portable gaming system to keep myself entertained during the flight. Devon was also able to get more time off, so he came back at the end of August so he wouldn't miss my flight.

September 13th came around before I knew it, and I found myself on the passenger side of Devon's Ford as Colorado's forests and mountains passed us by one crisp morning. Mama, Papa and Jeffar were driving behind us with all of my stuff packed up in their truck as we drove towards Denver where the ISS (Interstellar Space Station) would be waiting. The three of us were quiet during most of the ride, although I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts. My brother and sister shared idle chitchat between each other, but I stayed out of it for the most part. That is, until Devon spoke to me.

"You know," he started, which managed to pull me out of my own subconscious. "I'm really proud of you, little sis. Going against the grain and all."

"What do you mean?" Was my immediate response.

"Well...Mom and Dad always pushed us all to follow the same career paths as they did. I know what you went through when you stood up to them that day. I tried to do the same when after I had graduated out of high school."

"You did?" I knew I never knew much about Devon, but I always assumed he was content with being a doctor. "You don't like being a doctor?"

"It's not that I don't like it...it's just...it's something I personally don't want to spend the rest of my life doing." He explained to me. "Of course, I told Mom and Dad about this back when I was your age...I had just started college too just like you."

"Let me guess; Mama cut you off?"

"She was going to." He said "But back then, I couldn't keep a job and I needed their financial support at the time. I didn't like it, but to make sure that I wouldn't end up dropping out and getting kicked out of my apartment, I worked until I got my PhD until I could support myself. Looking back, I've realized that I could have done things differently, but it's not too late to pursue what I really wanted to do. But to get straight to the point, don't let Mom intimidate you to where you deter yourself from your dreams, alright? So whatever you want to do at Phideza, do it. This is your only chance, so don't ever waste it, okay?"

"Okay, Devon."

Now, I know it seems predictable that I would have a heart-to-heart with my brother just before we reached the ISS, but given my mom's track record of wanting to raise a family of doctors and IT techs, it was a bit unfair that we weren't allowed to explore through new fields that would appeal to us more. The financial support wasn't even the issue here, but more of the fact that Mama would forever disappointed with you and will almost always belittle anything else other than what she wants. It's something that we, her kids, and even Papa knew about her, reason why none of us really went against the career path she set for us. I was the first one of my other three siblings to not pursue that path openly, and it was then when I began to feel proud of myself for the small accomplishment.

The rest of the ride was fairly smooth and uneventful, although the small talk with my brother lifted my spirits to where I wasn't brooding anymore. We reached Denver two hours later and reached the ISS a little bit after 9 that morning. I had to show my ticket and GT (Galaxy Tag) to the person at the front desk as soon as we entered, where I was quickly recognized as a student going to the Ark. Papa had to load my belongings on the luggage cart that would then go to the shuttle to be put on while I got ready for my flight. Once I was checked in, I was led away from my family to put on my suit as well as do any last minute health checks just to double check. Now that I was properly equipped for space travel, all that was left was to wait until it was time to board the shuttle. The shuttle I was boarding in particular was called the Axel; it was a large, beautiful craft, twice the size of a normal airplane and made from a strange blue steel. Unfortunately, my distant relatives couldn't turn up for the departure, but the launch itself was going to be televised so they wouldn't miss it. I had to start boarding around 10:15, so I used that time to say my goodbyes. Devon, Dominique and I shared a tight sibling embrace and I swear Papa wasn't going to let me go. Mama - while she still didn't like it - bid me a rather tearful farewell while Jeffar kept his distance, where I pretended not to notice.

"Ding-dong! All passengers departing for the Ark may begin boarding now. Please proceed to the nearest gate."

"That's my flight." I remarked while adjusting the strap of my messenger bag. "Well...I'm off."

"Skype us as soon as you get there!" Dominique called as I joined the line entering the gate. And yes, we still have Skype. No,it never did improve over the last century. I daresay it got worse.

"Stay safe!" Papa called.

"Send us souvenirs!" Came from Devon. If Mama or Jeffar said anything, I didn't hear them once I had passed through the gate and entered the shuttle itself. There's a significant difference between the interior of an airplane, the interior of a space shuttle, and the interior of the Axel. And in short, the Axel is nothing like either or.

If I could compare it to anything to paint an accurate picture for you all, the Axel was like....a very spacious train. I know one would expect the interior to be made purely of metal, but it wasn't; it was when you first boarded before you board a lift to the passenger area where you're greeted with carpeted floors, seats and a large aisle between the two rows of seats.There were no assigned seats, so I was quick to snag the nearest window seat I could find towards the middle. I wasn't the only one on board - I recognized a few of my classmates while returning students were there as well, most of which seemed to be from different parts of the world. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to really mingle with them as we were herded to our seats to prepare for the launch. We strapped in, the intercom going off above us as the pilot began the launch sequence. My gaze was back out the window towards the station where I could see my family along with many others waving at the shuttle from the window. I waved back, but given how large the Axel was, I wasn't sure if they could see me or not. I felt my seat rumble as the engines roared to life, the various machinery working around me as I could feel the shuttle steadily lift off of the ground. Outside, the shuttle was lifting off of the ground until it was several feet from the ground where we hovered there until the landing gear was pulled back into the hull.

My breath hitched as the shuttle took off into the air, the ground growing smaller and smaller as we ascended into the bright blue sky, past the clouds, piercing the atmosphere...until the only thing I could see outside my window was the darkness of space and the Earth steadily growing smaller.