These are the days

Only one more entry for January. Looking ahead, February looks more lively so stay tuned.

January 28

9th grade: A space shuttle blew up today. It had the first civilian on it. She would have came to our school to talk. It was so scary, her kids were watch[ing] her.

This still gives me chills and is a “I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard” moment. I was in Biology lab but ran down to our campus ministry office because I had to exchange a book. I was patiently waiting as a young nun was looking for something. Finally I said that I need to exchange a book. She looked up at me and said, “Do you know what just happened?”. I shook my head and she said “The space shuttle Challenger just blew up and I need to find a prayer”. I walked away stunned and went back to Biology lab where everyone was quiet so I assumed they knew. A few minutes later they make an announcement over the loudspeaker and the class gasped, they hadn’t heard. A nun at our school had taught Christa McAuliffe and was obviously devastated. Christa was going to come to our school to speak, I remember being excited about that. A few years ago I listened to a podcast about the teacher in space, the story is incredible.

Despite the few entries I am enjoying this exercise of reviewing old diary entries. I forgot certain details and it gives me some insight into my little life back then.