Today was a very long, yet exciting day. We left Morehead about 7:30 and arrived in Frankfort at about 9:00. Dr. Lindsey made a cd of New Zealand songs that we listened to on the way there and back. The songs were very catchy and I have found myself singing the words ever since. We also played "My Old Kentucky Home" to practice for our singing debut!
I had a meeting with my senator, Jack Westwood, at 9:00. Dr. Fernandez went with me, and he seemed very interested in our research. We took a picture with him that will be sent to me. Also, he gave us 25 Kentucky pins that we can pass out on our trip. Dr. Lindsey and Brittany set up the poster while I was in the meeting. We got the group picture of all the students and mentor on the Senate stairs. Since we had not received an email back from him, we went to look for the senator of Rowan county, Walter Blevins. He was able to meet with us, and he gave us a large cup full of Kentucky senate pins. Senator Blevins also invited us to the Senate floor when we were finished presenting our poster.
We went back down and caught the end of the opening ceremony. Afterward, we met with President Andrews, our university president. We told him all about of research and promised that we would report back to him after the trip with all that we had learned. After lunch, Brittany and I met with the representative from my district, Adam Koenig. Hopefully, he will be able to send me some KY items for the trip.
Brittany and I returned to the poster, and spent the next three hours talking to people who were interested in our research. a lot of people from Morehead stopped by including the provost, other professors/mentors, and the director of undergraduate research, Bruce Mattingy. Everyone is s excited that we have been given this opportunity and many of them wish they could go too! Brittany and I will have to report back to a lot of people when we conclude our trip.
Senator Blevins visited our poster and got a few pictures with us. At about 3:00, when we finished presenting our poster, we went to the senate floor. Senator Blevins introduced us and said a little about our research. The four of us think that the meeting was being recorded and we may have been on KET. We were able to get a picture with Senator Blevins behind the pedestal that the president of the senate stands behind! I am really looking forward to getting that picture back.
Overall, Posters was a very good experience. I had expected there to be a lot more interaction, but I think Brittany and I did a great job answering the questions that people asked us. I really enjoyed meeting the senators and representatives. Also, it was fun seeing all of the other work that other students at MSU had done.
Once we left the Capitol Building we went to Lexington and Dr. Lindsey and Fernandez bought two cameras. I can’t wait to use them during the trip because I know we will be taking A LOT of pictures. The plan was for them to buy two Ipads at Best Buy but they decided to buy them at another location. We ended our day with dinner at Logan's roadhouse. We discussed words that are commonly used in the US that do not translate the same way in NZ. For example, when you order lemonade in NZ they bring you Sprite. Brittany and I suggested places that we would like to visit, and I learned that we might be able to go kayaking and fishing while we are there. The trip is coming so fast and we discussed the items we will need to pack for the trip. I am going to pack lightly because I know I want to bring home a lot of souvenirs.
Tomorrow we are meeting to practice “My Old Kentucky Home” and to try out the new cameras.
33 days!!!!
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