It takes a couple of years just to get the background and knowledge that you need before you can go into detailed training for your mission.

The pressure suit helps if something goes wrong during launch or re-entry - astronauts have a way to parachute off the shuttle. The suits protect you from loss of pressure in case of emergency.

I liked math - that was my favorite subject - and I was very interested in astronomy and in physical science.

I never went into physics or the astronaut corps to become a role model. But after my first flight, it became clear to me that I was one. And I began to understand the importance of that to people. Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can't be what you can't see.

NASA has to approve whatever we wear, so there are clothes to choose from, like space shorts - we wear those a lot - and NASA T-shirts.

The view of Earth is spectacular.

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