Jenna Mills...

Hello there! I'm excited that you are here! That must mean you are interested in the co-op program here at NASA/JSC! Well let me tell you, if you get a chance to come here, you WON'T regret it! ABOUT ME: I am from the small town of Waynesville , NC and a Senior at Western Carolina University . I am majoring in Communications: Public Relations/Electronic Media. In my spare time, when it exists, I enjoy doing theatre, scrapbooking, chilling with friends, singing in my car, and concerts (especially to see the coolest band in America-Sister Hazel!).

HOW I GOT HERE:

I found out about the co-op program when I joined a group of students from UNC-Charlotte and UNC-Pembroke who participated in the Reduced Gravity Student Flight Program and I came to Houston as their journalist. At the time I was working for an independent television station while still trying to finish school. During that week, I completely fell in love with NASA - not a boy! Everyone was so nice and I thought, "How cool would it be to work for America 's space agency!" It was then I ran across a current co-op who got me to thinking... maybe I could delay graduation a little longer and become a NASA co-op! And that is what I did. I went home, quit my job, went back to school full-time, and applied. With much persistence they decided to accept me or rather they wanted me to stop attacking their mailboxes (both email and snail mail)! In any case I'm so grateful to be at NASA and having the opportunity to be a co-op! I really do love it here!

The night before I made the 15 hour drive to Houston , I attended yet another Sister Hazel show and it ended up as one of the most memorable nights ever for me. Ken Block, lead singer, gave me a shout-out that I will never forget and completely caught me off guard. "Jenna is leaving the Carolinas and headed to Houston to work for NASA.Represent us well girl, represent us well." I intend on representing to the best of my ability!

WORKING FOR NASA:

Now I know you are wondering what kind of work I have done for NASA? Well, I was actually accepted to start as a co-op, Fall 2004 but had an opportunity to do a summer internship first. I arrived in Houston last May working in Education marketing NASA Brain Bites to science centers, PBS stations, and teachers across America . NASA Brain Bites are short one minute videos that answer questions 12-18 year olds have about space and technology. I even got to compile a list of celebrities' agents, managers, and publicists for us to contact in being on-air talent for future NASA Brain Bites segments!

When August arrived I made my transition over to the Public Affairs Office at JSC. Since then I have worked on some really cool projects and events! My main project for the semester was NASA Explorer Schools. I was in charge of getting all press kits ready for media who came to an explorer school event and briefing kits ready for all NASA officials attending the event. I was also responsible for, making media calls, pitching stories, interviewing key NASA officials, writing feature stories for the JSC Roundup (internal publication) and press releases relating to upcoming NASA events .

I'm planning on doing my second tour in PAO as well. Projects may include getting to produce and edit some television PSA's with astronauts once funding comes through. How cool is that to say you've had the opportunity to do? Not to mention would look great on a resume!

Co-ops also organize the coolest tours and lectures around the center for you to attend while you are here too! I've been to many including hearing Gene Kranz talk about the days of Apollo 13 AND I've also had the opportunity to ride in the same shuttle simulator that all the astronauts train in! Although when I landed the shuttle, I ended up in the grass off the runway! Me after landing the shuttle. in the grass.

SOCIAL LIFE: When not working there is always something to do! I'm sure you've already read that in other co-op bios! But that's because it's true! There's the nightlife, museums, beach, movies, eating out (there are SO MANY restaurants to choose from), parties, or just hanging out! Co-ops are constantly getting together so you can't say you won't have a social life while in Houston!

October 2004. Decided to conquer the elusive Texas corn-maze located about an hour from Houston!

Now let me briefly speak about the weather! For someone who grew up in the mountains of North Carolina , the heat was definitely something to get used to! But I survived and have noticed that even in November, people are still wearing short sleeves, tank tops and shorts! But there are the occasional "chilly" days as well. So keep in mind that you don't need to bring lots of sweaters and thermal underwear! Unless.you really want to.

So, what else do you want to know? If there is something else you would like to know about being a co-op at NASA that I haven't answered, please email me at jenna.c.mills@nasa.gov or filmgirl31@msn.com.

Just keep in mind that working for NASA is not something everybody can say they have done, so if you want to be different and COOLER than your friends and fellow classmates, then apply! So, what are you waiting for! Apply! Now! This is your chance to seize the opportunity to become a NASA nerd!