Post by Pauline Donachy

Slightly embarrassed, but asking for a friend… 😉 Did anyone get pics of me at The Hazels awards? I know there will be official ones, but meantime please send me any ok - I’ll accept just not downright dodgy - photos. [email protected] I want to prove to my kids that I actually did speak in public to a large audience and did not fall off the stage - despite my fears. Plus my mum wants a pic, lol. I was honoured to be part of the awards and in the ‘room where it happened’ with some truly amazing and inspiring people who really care about space and skills. It demonstrated a breadth of excellence and true desire to be inclusive and support the sector from grassroots level all the way up to inspirational woman of the year. **Congratulations Olivia Sheil, as well as all those nominated!** Although I was representing Fistral Training and Consultancy Ltd, I was really acting as double-agent, role-modelling for my kids. Proving they should say yes to all opportunities, especially things totally out of their comfort zone and where imposter syndrome tells them to run away. … Me, a wee girl from the east end of Glasgow, was on stage presenting with Helen Sharman, a genuinely lovely person as well as being the first Briton in space!! … I’ve learned loads (I could have been way more polished and less intimidated by the expertise in the room, lights and audience) but it was fun, very empowering, I met amazing people, and a it was a genuinely awesome thing to do. I love a challenge and had a ball, and as a first of its kind event, I think this was an brilliant showcase. Thank you for the opportunity Jan Morgan Kaufman MSc FRSA. What an achievement, you must be so proud. Hopefully your ‘twinkle’ of an idea grows into a full blown big bang over the next few years! ??The Hazels 2027 UK space skill awards anyone??