For whatever reason, I didn't succumb to the stereotype that science wasn't for girls. I got encouragement from my parents. I never ran into a teacher or a counselor who told me that science was for boys. A lot of my friends did.

So I decided on science when I was in college.

The thing I'll remember most about the flight is that it was fun. In fact, I'm sure it was the most fun that I'll ever have in my life.

One thing I probably share with everyone else in the astronaut office is composure.

I felt very honored, and I knew that people would be watching very closely, and I felt it was very, very important that I do a good job.

I can't remember a single time [my parents] ever told me not to do something I wanted to do.

So most astronauts are astronauts for a couple of years before they are assigned to a flight.