Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A Week In Maryland

Its been a busy past week with me back on the east coast again. I was invited by the University of Maryland to speak at a symposium on satellite technology. There
were a handful of speakers talking about the significant things being done through satellite technology. I was there to talk a bit about my trip andhow the system worked for me, putting a bit of a personal touch on rescue technology.








U of Maryland Engineering Students


We spent the day walking around the campus there. It was so big! I've seen some big college campuses, but I think that was the biggest so far. I really liked it there and while we spent most of our time with the engineering students, I wish I had time to check out their psychology program, since that's what I would like to major in. The people there were all great and even though engineering isn't one of my strong interests, I had a great time meeting the friendly people there.













The first night that we flew in I had dinner with a bunch of young women engineering students at the University. The next day we spent touring as much of the campus as we could in the few hours we had, and then set up for the symposium that was going to be later that night. I was getting a little nervous as the room started to fill up. I only had to talk for
20 minutes and I had definitely spoken in front of more people before, but I guess stage fright isn't an easy thing to get over.

Anyway, after talking for a little bit it got easier and fun, as always, and the night went pretty well.

After everyone spoke we went and had dinner with a bunch of people from the school. It really turned out great! Thanks to everybody there for showing us around!














I traveled this time with Bill Bennett and Scott Lurie from my technical team and my brother Toby, who turned 13 while we were out there. We covered a lot in the week we were there, but that's it for now, gonna save the rest of the trip for my next few blogs! :)

Abby



23 comments:

  1. I look forward to hearing some more about it all.

    J x

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  2. Abby, I think it is so cool that you are able to share your experience with such diversity...you have met with so many different kinds of people in your travels. Keep up the good work, and as always, keep on truckin' girl. Gus

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  3. Dear Abby,

    How nice to hear from you again. I enjoy reading your blog and I'm happy to hear that you have had a great time on the water and in Maryland. Must have been interesting for Toby to come with you. I wish you all the best and look forward to follow you in your blog.
    Best regards,
    Ingrid Petersson, Tyreso, Sweden

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  4. No, you should totally be an engineer. :)

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  5. Bonjour Abby,

    Thanks for the news and pictures. You look right at home in University! :-D

    Go Abby, Go!

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  6. Thanks for the update and pictures, Abby.

    Happy 13th Birthday to Toby!

    Kim N., S.V.

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  7. 10-28-10 @ 14:26
    Hi Abby,
    Hey, thanks for the great pictures and the information, that was very interesting. You’re gaining a lot of experience traveling around and giving talks to people of all ages. Everyone can, and will tell you, the great job that you are doing, and not to worry, but when you’re standing in front of an audience it can make a person a little nervous. As you have stated, after a few minutes the jitters leave and then you feel fine. So you’ll just have to tell yourself, ‘SELF’, I’m past the first few minutes already and then you can proceed in the professional manner that you exhibit. I think that everyone, no matter how experienced they may be, gets a case of the ‘jitters’ from time to time. Keep up the good work Abby, and enjoy yourself while you’re traveling. That was nice that you had some friends travelling with you and especially your brother, Happy Birthday Toby.
    Good luck to you Abby, and take care of yourself.
    Loads of love and hugs, and remember God is always with you.
    Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
    Michael from Kingwood, WV

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  8. A Psych major wow you are full of surprises. I never would have guessed but I have a feeling that you will be very good at it. Best of luck...frankie

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  9. Abby, It was grand hearing from you again. I know your blogs are few and between, but Oh, so filled with knowledge when you post. Thanks for thinking of us bloggers and your fans, out here. Ha.
    Happy Birthday Toby. Have a great 13 yr. life. but stay well and enjoy.
    You too, Abby, hope all your family & team are doing good. Hope Zac is still into his travels and talks.
    A fan always,
    Dee in Santa Clarita, Ca.

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  10. Abby (and Toby), glad you enjoyed your vist to our fine university (there are others). I am surprised that you would want to major in psychology instead of engineering since you seem to be at home with technology, although I am sure you could share with us the human factor in sailing.

    Really enjoyed your presentation and got to hear the answers to some unanswered questions. It was very emotional and moving, if you werent holding back tears, I know I was. I can understand you being nervous as I believe you wanted to do a perfect job, and you did.

    I really look forward to the day when you can tell your whole story without the constrains of time, other speakers and a limited topic.

    Happy birthday Abby and Toby, enjoy your next visit.

    I believe you have a lot to share with the World and the World has a lot to share with you.

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  11. Ahoy Abby,
    Psychology? I figured you to be an engineer, working with hull and sail designs, but, ... whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Amen? Good luck and GOD bless you and yours my friend!!!
    (33.2º, -117.2º)

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  13. Glad you enjoyed your visit. I'm a 2000 CMPS graduate. The University of Maryland at College Park is a great place to learn. Excellent teachers and a great athletics department!

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  14. Thanks Abby.
    God bless you.
    Keep smiling.
    Love you ♥
    Richard

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  15. Abby
    I work on an ITB cargo vessel and we were underway from Diego Garcia to Persian Gulf and the distress alert from WILD EYES was recieved on our GMDSS. (10-06-07)
    I saved the print out any way glad alls well with you.
    jeffsalvaje@yahoo.com
    jeff

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  16. Great experience!! Love, Matteo

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  17. Happy belated number 17 Abby...
    still an inspirartion to us all, as is the whole "Team Sunderland"... just a year or so ago you were celebrating the buying of "wild eyes" and taking her along the maiden voyage down the coast.... what a "sweet sixteen" that was... lots of great opportunities to be sharing with many... "how to" get out of the box...
    my best to "you all" ... may The LORD continue to BLESS you all.. in your walk of "Faith"... psalm 37:4
    with much " Warm Aloha"
    mark n adino, Vicksburg, mississippi

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  18. 18 Year-Old African American Woman Attempts to be the First to Bike Around the World



    October 28, 2010
    For Immediate Release
    Erin Nelson
    209-416-6833
    erinnelson92@yahoo.com
    www.goadventure.webs.com

    When: November 5, Friday, 2010,10am Press conference Q and A,11am Departure and,half mile bike ride out with Erin ( bring a bike)
    Where: Rubber souls Bicycles 132 w.Nees, Fresno CA 93711

    On November 5th, eighteen year-old Erin Nelson will begin her attempt to set the world record of becoming the youngest person, as well as the first African American female, to bike around the world. She intends to bike 19,000 miles over the next 24 months.

    Erin first got the idea to bike around the world after reading about Alistair Humphrey s successful attempt. “I was so inspired by Alistair’s dedication and strength and wanted to pass along that sense of motivation to others and encourage them to live an active life,” says Nelson. “Hopefully people can follow me on this journey, something that seemed so unobtainable, and realize that they too can make their aspirations a reality. I’m also looking forward to seeing the world and really experiencing life. You only get one go at it, right?”

    Nelson’s route will take her from Fresno, CA towards Las Vegas, NV, through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, finishing the US tour in New York. From there she will take a plane to Morocco, then on to Europe, through China and Thailand. From Thailand she will fly to British Columbia, Canada, and finish her journey back to Fresno. She expects the ride will take her slightly under 2 years to complete.

    A press conference will be held Friday November 5th at 10 am at Rubber Souls, 132 W. Nees in Fresno, CA. At 11 am attendees and supporters are encouraged to ride Erin’s first ½ mile with her. You can follow Erin’s trip through her website, www.goadventure.webs.com where she’ll be updating her blog with photos and highlights from the road.

    For more information on Erin’s expedition, to schedule a media visit or to have Erin speak at an event when she rolls through your town, please email her at erinnelson92@yahoo.com or call 209-416-6833. Erin’s journey has been made possible by the support of the following sponsors: NEMO Equipment, Inc., Leader Bike, Dirt Rag, Road ID, Pop’s Bargain Outlet, Princeton Tec, Jandd Mountaineering, Dakine, Stansport, Adventure Medical Kit, Mountainsmith, WTB, Honey Air, Panaracer, Velodea Media, Planet Bike, Alps Mountaineering, Snow Peak, and Valley Sporting Goods.

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  19. Hello Abigail,
    It's wonderful you have this time to check out several locations for your future university studies. If ever you consider being a "foreign student" I know someone in their fourth year of psychology at the University of Toronto who could tell you all about it. Just ask.
    Bill's photos are excellent...thanks for sharing your experiences with us Abs.
    john on the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario

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  20. No, Toby, NO--Back away from the water!

    On the other hand, you get to learn from the best.

    Y'alls take interns? We can send three....

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  21. Hi Abby,

    Pick the field that interests you the most! As one song says, "Do what you do well"!

    You'll go places!

    Jim :-)

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  22. Abby take this back to CA - The University of Maryland Terps - the UCLA of the East.

    Mark - Terps Fan

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  23. Interesting and beautifull pic I like it.
    Congrats for your works and your blog.

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