Kim (House) Tyner Pilot Scholarship

Arabic, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, and languages I didn’t even know existed surrounded me as I stood in Terminal E at Boston International Airport. I was electrified, caught in my own little world, ready to explore. Planes were taking off in every direction east, west, north, south bound for the most incredible destinations. The voice on the loudspeaker announced all the flight paths, while dozens of flags waved proudly, each representing a country far from home. This was the moment that sparked my passion for aviation. It was my first trip to Kenya, but it wasn’t my first time in an airport. I’ve been in countless airports during my seventeen years, but there’s always that same feeling. A rush of excitement surges through my veins, every single time. Even as I walked to board the plane, I couldn't resist peeking through the sliver of the cockpit door, wondering about each button, each gauge, and how they all worked together to guide such a magnificent machine. "Go to sleep," my mother would say, as we prepared for the seven-hour flight, but I couldn't. My mind was fully awake, counting every cloud and every star, staring at the wings cutting through the sky. I knew right then, this was the place I wanted to be living that moment, over and over again. That trip ignited my passion, and I immediately set out to learn what it would take to become a pilot. I researched the training hours, the commitment, and the costs. I won’t lie; it was overwhelming. But even then, I knew that one day, I would be the one sitting in the cockpit, knowing exactly what every button does. Now, years later, as I face the reality of significant student loan debt, that dream remains unwavering. I refuse to let financial barriers stop me. I am determined to learn everything I can about aviation, no matter the obstacles. My journey is also about breaking through barriers. As a Black woman pursuing a career in aviation, I am constantly motivated by the desire to change the statistics. Less than 1% of Black women are pilots, and I plan to be part of the change. My parents emigrated to the United States to give my siblings and me opportunities they could only dream of. Every time I step into the cockpit, I carry their sacrifices with me. They inspire me to pursue excellence, and I aim to honor their journey by becoming a trailblazer in aviation. Everytime I'm in the cockpit preparing for takeoff staring down the centerline, heels on the floor, hand on the throttle, full power, gauges in the green, airspeed alive. The moment the wheels leave the runway is an indescribable feeling. But I try, because that feeling is what fuels my passion. Beyond my academic and flight training journey, I have worked to develop leadership skills, engaging with various organizations at Bridgewater State University. I am actively involved in Sister Scholars, Women in Aviation (WAI), and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). These groups not only fuel my passion for aviation but also provide a supportive network of like-minded individuals who empower me to keep pushing forward. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my training without the burden of financial stress, enabling me to continue excelling academically and hone my flying skills. Aviation is more than just a career it’s a legacy that I’m working hard to build, not only for myself but for others who, like me, may feel underrepresented in this field.