What challenges did you face your last year as a SM?

TSgt Alex Benningfield Good question. I was also impatient because I had long term plans that were a long way off. My plan was to get a job, earn a degree and start working on the Space Program. I was lucky to find a good paying job while I went to school full time under the G.I. Bill. Once I obtained my degree I started working on the Space Shuttle Program, three years before the first flight. I stayed with the program until one month after the last Space Shuttle Flight, Atlantis in July 2011. It was hard being patient, but it pays off in the end. best of luck!