Certification and Corvettes.

It took 6 months of coursework and training, and another 6 months of active hands-on training, which included over 2 months of observation, performance, and certification OJT, 7 simulations, 1 JMST, 4 scenarios, 2 stand-alone scenarios, 3 roundtable exams, 2 written exams and 2 oral exams, but I am finally a certified Data Management Coordinator for the International Space Station!

How many other jobs give you a brand new Corvette just for doing what you're supposed to do?

OK, you caught me, it's actually just a Hotwheels car. But still.

You may remember these posts about my job: 

A Daily Look at Midnight Shifts

My Work is Fun

and The Dream

I still truly believe I'm living the dream, and every day I get to be at work is amazing. I am so excited that I've gotten the opportunity to work in the Space Program in a way that is here-and-now instead of the way many work- on a project for the future that may or may not ever happen. I'm grateful that the work I do daily directly impacts the astronauts, ground crew, experiments, science, and videos in big ways. 

The certification process was slow, stressful and demeaning at times. My cert week kept getting pushed off due to one factor or another, and finally, about 5 weeks after my original planned cert week, I finally was able to sit for my certification. 

I officially certified last week. Wednesday, June 4th, 2014.

It was a long road, with potholes and speed bumps, but I've reached the goal, and am now working in a field I love, doing a job I enjoy, with people I like.