Spirit of Wenatchee Aviation Scholarship

On my Discovery Flight, my instructor handed me a pen and told me to let it sit flat on my hand. He reduced engine power and pitched down as I watched, mesmerized, the pen floating out of my hand and toward the back of the plane. The sensation of a zero-G maneuver plays out as if it’s still happening each time I remember this moment. After that, I could never turn back from the world of aviation. A passion for flying was developed early in my life, influenced by two family members who have held distinguished careers as pilots. My cousin flew Marine helicopters and earned the privilege of flying Marine One for a President. My great-uncle flew B-24s for covert OSS missions during World War II, continued his love for flying with Eastern Airlines for three decades, and volunteered himself for Mercy Medical Angels. He flew until his passing at age 98. Their impressive stories sparked motivation to create my own aviation path. My Discovery Flight resulted from a year-long effort to identify what I wanted after high school. I entered tenth grade curious about how I could turn my lifelong interest in aviation into a career. I enrolled in a career planning course and researched forms of piloting positions and schooling. Before I ever flew a single-engine plane, I had a near-complete understanding of every option a student pilot had and began forming the process I would take to become an airline pilot. I only needed a flight to confirm my ambitions were pursuable, and my discovery experience showed me I was making the right choice. Though pilots are not required to hold a degree, going to college has always been my goal. I spent much of my time the past two years searching for universities that offer four-year flight programs and studies in additional aspects of the aviation industry. Being a Washingtonian, I also desire to remain in-state. Central Washington University has become my dream school by intersecting all my needs. I just applied to their aviation program, choosing its in-depth flight school to earn every rating needed to become a flight instructor and later enter the airlines. I intend to double-major in Aviation Management to broaden my understanding of the aviation business, expanding my career opportunities and industry connections. I'm also interested in pursuing an Airframe and Powerplant Certificate in college. This requires immense studying and is known for its complexity, but in passing the exam I'd enter my flight career having an intense understanding of aircraft systems. I hope to use this knowledge to visualize areas of concern and make the best choices possible to retain safety. Additionally, at Central, I'll have outlets to involve myself in the campus and aviation community. I look forward to joining the local Women in Aviation Chapter and EQuAl Club, allowing me to advocate for and expand diversity within flight and the university. Having these outlets matches my drive to help people feel welcome. As a junior, I was Vice President of my school's Gender-Sexuality Alliance, a group aimed at creating a safe space for people of all identities. I helped plan and run weekly meetings, provided comfort to those struggling the best I could, and defended the group when we were targeted by those who did not want a club like ours in the school. I learned the most crucial part of community involvement is to not be idle when facing challenges, but to stand up and openly support the people you believe in. As a pilot, I will remain a leader that ceaselessly supports my team.