On the day we were scheduled to go to Google the excitement was palpable throughout our group. 25 bloggers were going to Google! G–O–O–G–L–E, how could we not be excited? This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we were all grateful for and excited to experience.
As we approached we saw several Google buildings and instantly became aware of the enormity of the Google campus. There were buildings upon buildings all with Google proudly displayed on them. I was so thrilled that I neglected to snap a photo.
Once we arrived we were escorted inside where we had several creators and consultants for the Disney Juinor show Miles from Tomorrowland waiting for us.
The panelists included Sascha Paladino Creator and Executive Producer of Miles from Tomorrowland, Dr. Yvonne Cagle, NASA Astronaut & Consultant on Miles from Tomorrowland, Angela Navarro Software Engineer for Google, Diane Ikemiyashiro, Director of Original Programming, Disney Junior and Isis Anchalee, Software Engineer behind the #ILookLikeanEngineer movement. The moderator was Julie Ann Crommett CS Education in Media Program Manager, Google. An impressive group of men and women for sure!
We were treated to an episode of Miles from Tomorrowland and then a discussion with the esteemed panel. I loved hearing Sascha Paladino explain how becoming a parent to twins made him worried that he would no longer have any adventures. His love of space and daydreaming as a child of being an astronaut all played a huge role in the creation of Miles from Tomorrowland and how travelling to space would be the biggest adventure you could have with your family.
“The adventures that you have with your family are the most fantastic adventures“
Dr. Cagle explained how much she loved getting involved in the making of Miles from Tomorrowland and how the show is bringing (Space) back down to earth so a new generation can then become excited about it and want to learn more.
“Miles is making me smarter”
This week just happens to be World Space Week (October 4-10), celebrating the benefits of space and space exploration, so having Dr. Cagle with us was a real treat!
Speaking of Miles from Tomorrowland, an all new Halloween themed episode “Ghost Moon / Stormy Night in a Dark Nebula” premiering at 8:30 AM ET/PT on Disney Channel.
Be sure to tune in!
Starting October 10th, and for the the next 7 weeks after, all new episodes of Miles from Tomorrowland will air paired along with new episodes of Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates. They premiere on Saturday mornings beginning at 8am on the Disney Channel and will also be included in a catch-up marathon on Halloween.
After the panel, which was amazing, Google treated us to a fantastic dinner where we were able to speak more with each of the panelists and see more of the campus. While walking over to the dinner I heard some curious sounds, they sounded like birds but none I had ever heard before. The guide informed me that they raise and help preserve Egrets from the area and that’s what I was hearing.
The bike in the picture is just one of many all over the campus, the workers will use them to travel to and from various parts of the campus. What a fun way to get your exercise and your work done all at once. I thought this was an amazing idea.
Then the end of the night grew near and we all found our way to a classic Google sign and to Andy the Android. What a perfect way to end an amazing evening!
Stay tuned for a future post about the importance of STEM education is our schools.
Disclosure: I was provided with an all-expense trip to San Francisco by Walt Disney Studios to attend various events. All opinions are 100% my own.
Wow- what an experience!! Thank you for sharing the awesome time you had and I look forward to learning more 🙂
I’m so glad I got to experience Google with you! I forgot the picture too! 😉
We were so BUSY that day, and so excited that I am surprised we had any wits about us to take pics. 🙂