I have a lot of common sense. I know what needs to be done and how to approach it. I have an ability to work with people on large enterprises.

When you can feel that close to something you're used to seeing from this great distance, well, it changes a person.

I did not come to NASA to make history.

But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.

If they asked me if I wanted to go into space tomorrow, I'd do it in a heartbeat. On the other hand, if they asked me if I wanted to go into training for three years and then go into space again, I'd probably say no.

The astronauts who came in with me in my astronaut class - my class had 29 men and 6 women - those men were all very used to working with women.

Three Secrets to Success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along with and work with other people.