Bibliosphere

So, the last two months have been pretty busy.  I'm taking some really cool classes this semester: Diversity and Evolution of Life, Drawing for Non-majors and French Conversation.  I've been spending a good amount of time in my lab.  This semester I'm going to be presenting in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which is pretty exciting. Last night was Girl Scout Night with SWE, the third one I've organized in the time I've been here.  We had 110 girls, which is a huge event, the largest I've ever organized.  It was a bunch of fun, and we really reached a lot of girls.  We also had a forum for the parents with some of our female engineers, so we got to educate the parents too. Next week I'm going to San Diego, which is going to be awesome.  It's the SWE region B conference.  There's a big career fair, lots of workshops and keynote speakers. I'm going to apply to present at Annual conference next year, so I'm hoping to pick up some pointer...

Be a voice for children with cancer.  In the time since this video was made, four of the children have passed away.  What does that say about how "treatable" childhood cancer is? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS5T_3OUoZo

   Yesterday, I was notified that I was approved for a grant for an awesome event for middle and high school aged girls.  I'm organizing an into to Engineering event: Edible Engineering.  I'm really excited my grant got approved, so I can reach even more girls.

    Yesterday was Christmas, and today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa. The Solstice (Yule) was earlier in the week, and Hanukkah took place early in the month.       But as hundreds of thousands of families around the world celebrate, hundreds of thousands of other families are struggling to get through the season.  For them, this is the first holiday season after the loss of a child or parent, or being jobless or homeless.  Take time to remember those who are struggling this season, and help them through.  It might only take a kind word, to let them know that you are thinking of them.   Blessed be this holiday season.

    Ahh, winter break is finally here.  I finished my final exams yesterday, then flew home.  It was an interesting set of flights, with all the hectic fun of holiday travelers.  I will be enjoying reading more Kathy Reichs novels and spending the holidays with my family.    Enjoy your season.

  The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act passed the House of Representatives today!   What does this mean? Researchers will get desperately needed funding to study pediatric illnesses, including childhood cancer.  This $126 million comes from tax form donations to the National Party Convention Fund.  So, this money is coming from the politician fund, which is awesome, because they don't need more money.  Thank you to everyone who emailed, phoned or otherwise contacted their representatives.

   Today marks one year since Brave Ariel earned her wings.  From her mom: " RIP Ariel Gariano, you came into the world at 12:10pm on Aug 19, 1998. On Dec 10,2012 at 11:26 pm you breathed your courageous last and I pray you, your soul, your heart, are basking in the glory of the next world. My heart and soul vanished that late Monday night when you breathed your last in my arms Ariel Rose. Your heart beat on so strong, so determined, even though you couldn't breathe to fe ed it precious air any more. Your blue eyes remained closed as though in slumber, your chest stopped rising and falling and still the beat of your heart under my fingers was clear and strong like the wings of a bird fluttering, preparing for flight. Your lions heart still pounding as 3 nurses listened at your side stethoscopes drawn as they stood protectively around you...all of us helpless to do more than stand witness to your final moments in the body we all so dearly loved. In the middle of your ches...