I have chosen to pursue science because aviation captured my curiosity and gave me a clear sense of purpose. As a student pilot, I quickly learned that math and science are at the heart of every flight. From calculating fuel and distance to understanding weather patterns, aerodynamics, and navigation, these subjects are not just classroom concepts. They are tools that help me make decisions, solve problems, and fly safely. What drives my passion is seeing how science translates into real-world impact. Every calculation connects directly to safety, precision, and responsibility. Whether I am determining weight and balance, planning a cross-country route, or analyzing wind correction, I see how math and science guide every decision. This connection motivates me to continue learning and growing in a field where knowledge directly affects outcomes. My passion for math and science also shaped my leadership experiences. Through Civil Air Patrol, where I serve as a Cadet Senior Airman, I have developed leadership, discipline, and aerospace knowledge while working alongside peers who share similar interests in aviation and service. In Civil Air Patrol, I participate in aerospace education, leadership training, and community service, all of which reinforce the importance of STEM skills. I have learned to lead by example, communicate effectively, and encourage others to explore aviation. These experiences have strengthened my confidence and helped me understand how science can bring people together around a shared mission. I also founded Launch Club 39A, an aviation and aerospace club designed to introduce students to flight, STEM careers, and hands-on learning. Creating this club allowed me to turn my passion into action. I organize discussions about aviation, share knowledge about flight training, and connect students with opportunities to learn more about aerospace. My goal is to make aviation more accessible and show students that math and science are not just subjects, but pathways to exciting careers. Through Launch Club 39A, I aim to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create a supportive environment where students can explore their interests. I plan to harness this passion by becoming a professional pilot and continuing to mentor and uplift others in my community. I want to expand access to aviation by creating opportunities for young people to experience their first exposure to flight and STEM education, just as that opportunity was once given to me. I hope to develop outreach programs, partner with local aviation organizations, and continue growing Launch Club 39A to reach more students. By sharing my journey, I want to show that math and science can open doors and help students discover new possibilities. Beyond my local community, I hope to contribute to the future of aviation by supporting innovation and responsible growth in the industry. As aviation continues to evolve, math and science will play a critical role in improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science, I aim to be part of that progress while continuing to inspire the next generation. My goal is not only to follow my passion, but to use it to lift others, strengthen my community, and contribute to a future where more students see themselves in science, aviation, and leadership.

Math is important because it helps people understand what they are doing and make better decisions. It is not just something you use in school. It is something you use in real life, especially in aviation and everyday situations that require accuracy and planning. In flying, math is used all the time. As a student pilot, I use math before every flight. I calculate how much fuel I need, how long the flight will take, and how far I am going. I also have to consider wind and weather, which can change everything. If the wind is stronger, it can slow you down or push you off course. That means I must adjust my calculations to stay on track. Math helps me plan so I can fly safely, avoid mistakes, and stay prepared for anything that may happen during the flight. Math is also important when it comes to navigation. As a pilot, I have to use math to understand direction, speed, and altitude. Even small changes matter. Being off by just a little can affect your entire flight path. Math helps you stay accurate and make the right adjustments in real time. It gives you control and helps you stay focused, especially when conditions change quickly. Outside of aviation, math plays a major role in everyday life. It is a life skill. It helps with budgeting, paying bills, saving money, and understanding how much things really cost, even with making decisions about tuition. Another important part of math is problem-solving. Math teaches you how to think step by step, break down a problem, and find a solution. It trains your mind to stay calm and work through challenges instead of guessing. These skills I use in school and in everyday life situations where quick thinking is needed. Also, for me, math has equipped me with confidence. In aviation, when I understand my numbers, I feel more in control. I know what I am doing and why I am doing it. That confidence carries over into other areas of my life. It helps me trust myself, stay focused, and make decisions with a clear understanding. Math also creates opportunities. Many careers, especially in STEM fields like aviation, engineering, and technology, depend on math. Again, like aviation, math is required, without it, it would be difficult to navigate the skies, and calculate landings if our remote systems were offline. Overall, math is important because it helps people think clearly, make decisions, and stay prepared. In aviation, it keeps you safe. In life, it helps you manage your money, it's apart of understanding life skills and it is essential.

Math is more than just numbers on a page. It’s something I use in real life, especially in aviation. As a student pilot, math is part of everything I do. Before every flight, I calculate how much fuel I need, how long the flight will take, and how far I’m going. I also have to factor in wind and weather. If the wind is stronger than expected, it can slow me down or push me off course. That means I have to adjust my numbers and think ahead. Math helps me stay prepared and fly safely. Navigation is another area where math really matters. Pilots use math to understand direction, speed, and altitude. Even being off by a small amount can affect your entire flight. Math helps me stay on track and make the right decisions in real time. But math isn’t just important in the air. It’s important in everyday life too. It’s a life skill! Math helps you understand your money, your salary, and how to manage it. It helps with budgeting, paying bills, and making smart choices including with decision making for the cost of tuition. Without math, it would be hard to stay organized or plan for the future. Math also teaches you how to think. It helps you break problems down step by step and figure things out instead of guessing. That’s something I use not just in aviation, but in school and life. For me, math has built confidence. When I understand my numbers, I feel more in control. I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. That confidence carries over into everything else. Overall, math is important because it helps you stay prepared, make decisions, and move with confidence. In aviation, it keeps you safe. In life, it helps you succeed.

I want to pursue a career in STEM because it gives me the ability to turn curiosity into real impact. Aviation showed me that STEM is not just about learning concepts, it is about applying knowledge in ways that move people, connect communities, and create opportunity. My interest became real when I was given my first flight lesson at 13. It was an opportunity I would not have been able to afford on my own, and it changed how I saw my future. Sitting in the cockpit of a Cessna 172, I realized that STEM was not something distant or abstract. It was something I could be part of. That experience pushed me to pursue aviation seriously, and now, as a student pilot with over 15 FAA flight hours, I plan to study aeronautical science and become an airline pilot. As a BIPOC student, I also understand how representation plays a role in shaping what feels possible. Growing up, I did not see many pilots or aerospace professionals who looked like me, and that can make a path feel out of reach before you even try. Because of that, I am intentional about using my journey to create visibility and access for others who may feel the same way. I have already started doing this by founding Launch Club 39A, where I introduce younger students to aviation and aerospace. I wanted to create a space where students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can explore STEM in a hands-on way and begin to see themselves in it. I also organized an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport, where students were able to experience ground school, tour aircraft, and connect with aviation professionals. For many of them, it was their first real exposure to that world. As I continue my education, I want to expand that impact. My goal is to create programs and opportunities that give students access to flight experiences, mentorship, and STEM education early on. I know how powerful that first opportunity can be because it changed my life. I want to be able to give that same experience to others, especially those in BIPOC communities who may not have the financial means or exposure to aviation. Through STEM, I also want to contribute to the future of aviation. The industry is evolving, and there is a growing need for more efficient and sustainable practices. As I study aeronautical science and grow in my career, I want to be part of that progress while also staying connected to my community. For me, pursuing STEM is about more than personal success. It is about opening doors, changing perspectives, and creating pathways for others. I want to use my degree not only to build a career, but to build access, representation, and opportunity for the next generation.

My journey to discovering my passion for aerospace and aviation is a lot like flying itself. Before you ever reach cruising altitude, you have to move through turbulence. For years, I experienced that turbulence through bullying. I was often excluded, isolated, and made fun of for my differences. It was constant, and over time, it affected how I saw myself and where I felt I belonged. I started to question my confidence and my place. But when the pandemic hit, everything slowed down. For the first time, I had space to breathe, think, and reset. On May 30, 2020, I watched a rocket launch from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly a decade. I remember the billowing smoke, the deep roar of the engines, and the force that carried it into the sky. I was completely locked in. In that moment, something shifted for me. What I was watching was not just powerful, it was purposeful. It made me want to understand how it all worked. After that, I started researching everything I could about rockets, launches, and space missions. What began as curiosity quickly became something deeper. I wasn’t just interested, I was connected. That connection led me to aviation. That interest became real when I stood nose-to-nose with the Space Shuttle Atlantis. I wasn’t just looking at a spacecraft, I was looking at possibility. It made me realize that this was not just something I admired from a distance. It was something I wanted to be part of. The following year, I was gifted the opportunity to begin flight training at Alpha One Flight School, an experience I would not have been able to afford on my own. Sitting in the cockpit for the first time, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: peace. In the air, there was no noise, no judgment, just focus and clarity. It became a place where I felt fully present and in control. That moment meant more to me because it was given, and it inspired me to one day give that same opportunity to others. Around that time, I transitioned to homeschooling, which gave me the space I needed to grow. Without constant distractions, I was able to focus on rebuilding my confidence and setting goals for myself. I became more disciplined, more independent, and more accountable. I learned how to block out negativity and replace it with purpose. When I returned to a traditional school setting, I came back stronger, more focused, and more confident in who I was. As I continued my journey, I carried that mindset with me. As a Mechanism Engineer in drone competitions, I learned how to problem-solve, adapt, and work as part of a team under pressure. Through Civil Air Patrol, I developed discipline and leadership. I also founded Launch Club 39A to introduce students to aviation and aerospace through hands-on learning. I organized an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport, where students participated in ground school, explored aircraft, and connected with aviation professionals. Today, I am a student pilot with over 15 FAA flight hours and a clear vision for my future. What I went through did not stop me, it shaped me. It taught me resilience, confidence, and how to keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain. I learned how to turn noise into focus, turbulence into direction, and uncertainty into purpose. My goal is to continue pursuing aviation while creating opportunities for others to discover their own path in STEM, just as I did.

My interest in STEM started with a simple curiosity about how things work, especially in aviation. I have always been fascinated by flight, from how an aircraft lifts off the ground to how pilots navigate and make decisions in real time. That curiosity became something more when I took my first flight lesson at 13. It was an opportunity that was gifted to me, and one I would not have been able to afford on my own. That experience showed me that STEM is not just something you study, it is something you live and apply. Now, as a high school senior and student pilot with over 15 FAA flight hours, I plan to pursue a degree in aeronautical science and become an airline pilot. Through aviation, I have developed strong problem-solving skills, discipline, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Flying has taught me how to think critically and take responsibility for my decisions, both in the air and in everyday life. My interest in STEM has also grown through hands-on experiences like drone competitions. As part of a team, I helped design and test drone mechanisms, including payload delivery systems, where precision and teamwork were critical. These competitions challenged me to think creatively, solve problems under pressure, and understand how engineering concepts apply in real-world situations. They strengthened my ability to collaborate and showed me how innovation can come from trial, error, and persistence. What makes STEM meaningful to me is not just what I can do with it, but how I can use it to impact others. Because my first flight experience was given to me, I understand how important access is. That is why I founded Launch Club 39A, to introduce younger students to aviation and aerospace. I wanted to create a space where students could explore something new, ask questions, and see that STEM is something they can be part of. Sometimes all it takes is one experience to change how someone sees their future, just like it did for me. In the future, I want to make an impact both in aviation and in my community. Aviation is constantly evolving, and I am interested in being part of a more efficient and sustainable future for the industry. At the same time, I want to continue mentoring and creating opportunities for students, especially those who may not see themselves represented in STEM fields. I want to help change that by being visible and by opening doors for others. My journey has not been easy. As a neurodivergent student, I experienced bullying and struggled with confidence in traditional school environments. There were times when I felt like I did not fit in or was not being understood. Those experiences affected how I saw myself for a while. But instead of letting that define me, I found something that helped me rebuild my confidence.

Flying has changed how I see myself, my future, and my role in my community. It has pushed me to become a positive force, not just by what I achieve, but by how I show others what is possible. As a BIPOC student pursuing aviation, I understand that representation matters. Growing up, I did not see many pilots or aerospace professionals who looked like me. That absence can shape how you think. It can make certain dreams feel out of reach before you even try. For a while, I did not fully realize that aviation could be a path for me. It felt distant. That changed when I was given my first flight lesson at 13. It was a gift, and an opportunity I would not have been able to afford on my own. Sitting in the cockpit of a Cessna 172, everything shifted. I was no longer thinking about what I could not do. I was focused, responsible, and in control. That moment challenged the limits I had unconsciously accepted and showed me that I belonged in that space. Since then, I have made it a goal to not only pursue aviation, but to bring others with me. I now have over 15 FAA flight hours as a student pilot, and I founded Launch Club 39A to introduce younger students to aviation and aerospace. I wanted to create a space where students, especially those who may not see themselves represented, could explore something new and build confidence. I know how powerful it is to be exposed to an opportunity early, before doubt sets in. My experiences as a neurodivergent student who has faced bullying have also shaped how I show up for others. I know what it feels like to be underestimated or to struggle with confidence. Instead of letting that hold me back, I used aviation as a way to rebuild how I saw myself. Flying taught me discipline, focus, and self-trust. It showed me that I am capable, even when others may not have seen it at first. Because of that, I try to lead with empathy and intention. Whether I am mentoring younger students, participating in STEM programs, or creating opportunities through my club, I want others to feel seen and supported. I want them to understand that where they come from or how others label them does not define their potential. Social norms can influence how we think, but they do not have to limit us. I have learned to challenge those expectations, both for myself and for others. As I move forward to study aeronautical science and become an airline pilot, I want to continue being a positive force by increasing representation, creating access, and helping the next generation believe in their own path. I am not just pursuing aviation for myself. I am pursuing it so others can see that they can too.

Flying has had a transformative impact on my life. It gave me direction, confidence, and a sense of purpose at a time when I was still trying to understand where I belonged. I took my first flight lesson at the age of 13 through a gifted opportunity, one that I would not have been able to afford on my own. That moment was more than just an introduction to aviation, it was the beginning of a new way of seeing myself and my future. Sitting in the cockpit of a Cessna 172, I was no longer just a student observing from the sidelines. I was responsible for understanding the aircraft, listening carefully, making decisions, and staying focused. For the first time, I felt a sense of control and independence that I had never experienced before. That single flight sparked something in me that has continued to grow ever since. Aviation became more than a passion. It became a foundation for my personal growth. As a neurodivergent student, I faced bullying and often struggled with confidence in traditional academic and social settings. There were times when I felt misunderstood, overlooked, or underestimated. Those experiences could have easily held me back, but instead, aviation gave me a space where I could redefine myself. In the cockpit, none of those labels mattered. What mattered was preparation, discipline, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Through flight training, I developed skills that extended far beyond aviation. I learned how to think critically, how to respond to challenges in real time, and how to take accountability for my actions. Every lesson required focus and precision. If I made a mistake, I had to learn from it immediately and apply that lesson moving forward. That mindset strengthened my resilience and carried over into my academic work and leadership roles. It taught me that growth comes from persistence and that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it. Flying also changed how I see my role in the world. Because my first opportunity to fly was given to me, I understand how powerful access and exposure can be. It opened a door that I did not even know existed, and it showed me what was possible for my future. That is why I founded Launch Club 39A, to introduce young people to aviation and aerospace and to create opportunities for them to explore a path they may not have considered. I want others to experience that same moment of possibility, when something new suddenly feels within reach. Now, as a student pilot with over 15 FAA flight hours, aviation is not just something I am pursuing, it is a part of who I am. It has shaped my goals, strengthened my character, and given me a clear direction. I plan to study aeronautical science and continue my training to become an airline pilot, with a focus on contributing to a more efficient and sustainable future in aviation. Flying did more than teach me how to operate an aircraft. It taught me how to believe in myself, how to overcome adversity, and how to lead with purpose. It showed me that even when the path is not easy, it is still possible to rise.

From an early age, I have been driven by curiosity, especially about how things fly and how they can be improved. As a senior at Cathedral High School and a student pilot with over 15 FAA flight hours, I have already begun turning that curiosity into purpose. I plan to pursue a degree in aeronautical science while continuing my flight training, with the long-term goal of becoming an airline pilot. Through this path, I hope to help shape a more efficient, innovative, and environmentally responsible future for aviation. My passion for aviation has been shaped not only by academics, but by hands-on experience and leadership. I founded Launch Club 39A to introduce younger students to aviation and aerospace, creating a space where curiosity can grow into ambition. I have participated in drone engineering competitions, attended STEM programs at MIT, and completed aviation training through programs like Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Voyage Camp and OBAP’s ACE Academy. These experiences have strengthened my technical knowledge and deepened my commitment to giving back to my community. My journey has not been without challenges. As a neurodivergent student, I experienced bullying and often felt like I did not fit into traditional academic environments. There were moments when I questioned my abilities and struggled with confidence. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me, I chose to grow through them. I leaned into my strengths, including creativity, persistence, and hands-on learning, and found confidence through aviation. Learning to fly became more than a skill. It became a turning point. In the cockpit, I discovered discipline, focus, and self-trust. Aviation gave me a space where precision mattered more than perception and where I could measure my growth through real progress. I also learned something just as important outside of flight training. I learned how to believe in myself. I learned how to look in the mirror, smile, and face life with confidence, even when it felt difficult. These experiences have shaped how I want to impact the world. Aviation contributes to global emissions, and I am passionate about being part of the solution. As I study aeronautical science and continue my training as a pilot, I want to contribute to a future of aviation that is more efficient and sustainable. At the same time, I plan to continue mentoring young people, especially those who may not see themselves represented in aviation, and create opportunities for them to experience flight just as I was once given that opportunity. My adversity has become my foundation. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of lifting others as I rise. Through my career, I plan not only to advance in aviation, but also to make it more inclusive, accessible, and forward thinking for the next generation.

My name is Antonio Inniss, and I am a senior at Cathedral High School with a strong passion for aviation, aerospace engineering, and STEM. I am also a student pilot, and my educational journey has been shaped by discipline, growth, and a commitment to pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I have excelled in my education by staying focused on both academic achievement and hands-on learning. I have taken courses in math, science, and engineering that support my long-term goals, while also seeking opportunities outside the classroom to deepen my knowledge. Programs such as drone competitions, STEM initiatives, and aviation training have allowed me to apply what I learn in real-world settings. As a student pilot, I have logged over 15 FAA flight hours, which has required strong time management, responsibility, and dedication alongside my schoolwork. My journey has not always been easy. At a young age, I faced challenges that affected my confidence and how I saw myself. There were moments when I struggled internally, but over time, I learned how to rebuild that confidence. I learned how to smile in the mirror, and more importantly, how to smile at life. That shift in mindset changed everything for me. Instead of letting challenges define me, I used them as motivation to grow stronger, stay focused, and believe in my ability to succeed. One of the most impactful moments in my life was when I was gifted my first flight lesson at the age of 13, along with 12 hours of flight training. This was an opportunity I would not have been able to afford, and it completely changed my perspective on what was possible for my future. That experience not only sparked my passion for aviation but also showed me the power of opportunity and support. Because of that experience, I have made it a priority to give back. I serve my community through my involvement in Civil Air Patrol, where I have developed leadership skills, participated in community service, and mentored other cadets. In addition, I founded Launch Club 39A, a youth aviation club that introduces students, especially those from underserved communities, to aviation and aerospace. Through this club, I have created opportunities for students to learn, explore, and experience aviation firsthand. My actions are rooted in a desire to leave a legacy not only for myself, but for my family and my community. I want to show that challenges can be turned into strength, and that opportunities can be created and shared. After high school, I plan to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study Aeronautical Science, with the goal of becoming both an airline pilot and an aerospace engineer. To me, success is not just about personal achievement. It is about the impact you leave behind. Through my education, leadership, and service, I am working to build a legacy that uplifts others and creates lasting change.

My name is Antonio Inniss, and I am currently a senior at Cathedral High School with a strong passion for aviation, aerospace engineering, and STEM. I am also a student pilot, working toward my goal of becoming both an airline pilot and an aerospace engineer. Throughout high school, I have focused on building both my academic and leadership skills. I have taken courses in math, science, and engineering that align with my interests, while also participating in hands-on programs such as drone competitions and aviation-based STEM experiences. Outside of the classroom, I am actively involved in flight training, where I continue to log FAA flight hours. Aviation has taught me discipline, focus, and the importance of staying calm and making decisions under pressure. One of the most meaningful ways I serve my community is through my involvement in Civil Air Patrol, where I hold the rank of Cadet Senior Airman. Through this program, I have participated in leadership training, aerospace education, and community service activities. Civil Air Patrol has helped me grow as a leader while also giving me the opportunity to give back through service projects and mentorship. In addition, I founded Launch Club 39A, a youth aviation club designed to introduce students, especially those from underserved communities, to aviation and aerospace. Through this club, I have led meetings, organized learning opportunities, and hosted events such as Aviation Career Day, where students were able to meet aviation professionals, tour aircraft, and experience the environment firsthand. My goal is to make aviation more accessible and to show young people that they belong in these spaces. My journey in aviation began at the age of 13, when I was gifted my first flight lesson. Along with that came 12 paid hours of flight training, an opportunity that I would not have been able to afford on my own. That experience changed my life. It gave me direction, confidence, and a passion that continues to grow today. Now, at 17 years old, I have logged over 15 FAA flight hours and continue to pursue my training with determination. After high school, I plan to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study Aeronautical Science. I intend to pursue both my pilot certifications and a degree in aerospace engineering, with the long-term goal of contributing to innovation in aviation while also flying professionally. If I could expand Launch Club 39A into a full charity, its mission would be to provide access and opportunity to students who may not otherwise have exposure to aviation. A key part of this mission would be creating grants and financial aid programs to fund first flight experiences for young boys and girls. I would love to pay forward the opportunity that was given to me. Through this charity, students would have access to discovery flights, mentorship, hands-on STEM learning, and exposure to real aviation environments. Volunteers would serve as mentors, instructors, and role models, helping students build both skills and confidence. My goal is simple: to open doors for others the way a door was opened for me. Aviation changed my life, and I am committed to making sure it can change the lives of others as well.

My academic goal is to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Science with flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and become a commercial pilot. I am not only interested in flying, but also in understanding aviation systems, safety, and how technology can improve efficiency in the air. Embry-Riddle stands out to me because of its strong aviation program, advanced training, and opportunities to learn in a hands-on environment. I want to be fully prepared not just to fly, but to understand the responsibility that comes with it and how I can contribute to the future of aviation. My interest in aviation grew from my passion for aerospace and space exploration, but what has shaped me the most is how I have chosen to give back to others. Founding Launch Club 39A has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my journey. I created the club to introduce students in my community to aviation and aerospace, especially those who may not have access to these opportunities. I realized that many students are not exposed to these fields, not because they lack interest, but because they lack awareness and access. I understood that feeling, and I wanted to change it. Through Launch Club 39A, I created a space where students could learn about aviation in a way that felt real and approachable. I shared my experiences as a student pilot, introduced basic aviation concepts, and encouraged students to ask questions and explore their interests. One of the most impactful things I did was organize an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport. Students participated in ground school sessions, explored aircraft, and spoke directly with pilots and aviation professionals. For many of them, it was their first time experiencing aviation up close. Seeing their reactions changed my perspective. Students who had never considered aviation were asking questions, engaging, and imagining themselves in that space. Some even expressed interest in becoming pilots or engineers. It showed me how powerful exposure can be. Sometimes people do not need more ability, they just need opportunity. That experience inspired me to think bigger about how I can make a difference. I realized that my impact is not just about my own success, but about how I can create pathways for others. In the future, I want to build programs and eventually a business that creates access to aviation for underrepresented communities. I want to provide mentorship, hands-on learning, and real opportunities that help students see themselves in STEM and believe that they belong in those spaces. My goal is not only to become a commercial pilot, but to use my journey to open doors for others. I want to help create a future where aviation is more accessible, more inclusive, and something that more people feel they can be a part of. Through my higher education at Embry-Riddle and my continued efforts in my community, I am committed to making a lasting impact in both aviation and the lives of others.

For a long time, I struggled to find where I truly belonged. I dealt with bullying that made me feel isolated and unsure of myself. It affected my confidence and how I saw my future. There were moments where I questioned if I would ever find something that truly felt like me. But during the pandemic, everything slowed down, and for the first time, I had space. In that quiet, I was able to step away from the noise and start focusing on who I wanted to become. During that time, I was introduced to the world of space through a NASA SpaceX launch. Watching that launch sparked my interest, and I wanted to learn more. I started researching rockets, launches, and space missions, and what began as curiosity quickly turned into something I connected with. That interest led me to aviation. Seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close made everything real. Standing face to face with Atlantis, I saw possibility. For the first time, I could clearly see a future for myself, and it was one I was excited about. I began flight training at Alpha One Flight School, and everything shifted. In the cockpit, I found a sense of peace I had been missing. There was no noise or judgment, just focus. Flying taught me how to stay calm, trust myself, and make decisions under pressure. It helped me rebuild my confidence and showed me that I was capable of more than I thought. As I grew, I realized I didn’t want to keep that experience to myself. I founded Launch Club 39A to introduce students in my community to aviation and aerospace. Many of my peers had never been exposed to these opportunities, and I understood how important that first exposure can be. I organized an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport, where students were able to explore aircraft, learn from pilots, and see aviation up close. Watching their excitement reminded me of how I felt when I first discovered this field. That experience showed me that making an impact does not always mean doing something big. Sometimes it means creating access, opening doors, and helping someone see what is possible for themselves. Through drone engineering competitions and Civil Air Patrol, I continued to build my skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem solving. These experiences helped shape who I am and prepared me for what I want to do next. I plan to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Science with flight training and become a commercial pilot. But my impact will go beyond flying. I want to build a business that creates access to aviation for students who may not see themselves in this field. I want to create programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands on experiences that help students discover aviation earlier and believe that they belong in it. My goal is to be someone who not only achieves success, but also creates opportunities for others. I want to change the way people see aviation by making it more accessible and inclusive. What I went through did not stop me. It helped shape me. It taught me how to find direction, even when things feel uncertain. Now, I want to use that same mindset to help others find their path.

For a long time, I didn’t feel like I had a place where I truly belonged. I dealt with bullying for years. I was often excluded, isolated, and made to feel different in ways that affected my confidence. Over time, I started to question myself, who I was and where I fit in. But when the pandemic hit, everything slowed down, and for the first time, I had space. Away from the noise, I found peace. That time allowed me to reset and start focusing on who I wanted to become. During that time, I was introduced to the world of space through a NASA SpaceX launch. I remember watching the billowing smoke, hearing the powerful roar of the rockets, and seeing the force lift into the sky. I was completely locked in. That moment changed everything. I started researching every rocket, every launch, and different space missions. What started as curiosity quickly turned into something deeper, it became a passion. That passion led me to aviation. Seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close made it real. Standing nose-to-nose with Atlantis, I saw more than a spacecraft, I saw possibility. For the first time, I could clearly see a future for myself. I began flight training at Alpha One Flight School, and everything shifted. Sitting in the cockpit, I felt something I hadn’t felt before, peace. In the air, there was no noise, no judgment, just focus and clarity. Flying taught me how to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and trust myself. It helped me rebuild my confidence in a way nothing else had. As I grew more confident, I realized I didn’t want to keep that experience to myself. I founded Launch Club 39A to introduce students in my community to aviation and aerospace. Many of my peers had never been exposed to these opportunities, so I wanted to create a space where they could learn, ask questions, and see themselves in STEM. I organized an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport, where students participated in ground school sessions, explored aircraft, and connected directly with pilots and aviation professionals. Seeing their excitement reminded me of how I felt when I first discovered aviation. It showed me that sometimes people don’t lack interest, they lack access. I also developed technical and leadership skills through drone engineering competitions as a Mechanism Engineer and through my involvement in Civil Air Patrol. These experiences taught me how to problem-solve, work in teams, and lead with purpose. I plan to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Science with flight training to become a commercial pilot. But my goal goes beyond flying. I want to help make aviation more accessible and inspire the next generation to see themselves in this field. What I went through didn’t stop me, it shaped me. It taught me how to turn doubt into determination and how to find direction even when things feel uncertain. Aviation gave me purpose, and now I want to use that purpose to make a real impact, not just in my career, but in the lives of others.

One of the most meaningful ways I have helped others was through founding Launch Club 39A, an aviation and aerospace club I created to introduce students in my community to opportunities they may not have otherwise experienced. I noticed that many of my peers were unfamiliar with aviation and STEM careers, not because they lacked interest, but because they lacked exposure. I understood that feeling personally. Before I discovered aviation, I didn’t know how accessible it could be. I wanted to change that for others by creating a space where students could learn, ask questions, and see themselves in the field. I started small by organizing meetings where I introduced basic aviation concepts, shared what I was learning as a student pilot, and talked about different career paths in aerospace. My goal was to make the information relatable and approachable, especially for students who may have felt unsure about STEM. The most impactful moment came when I organized an Aviation Career Day at Plymouth Municipal Airport. I reached out to pilots, flight instructors, and aviation professionals and coordinated an event where students could experience aviation firsthand. They participated in a ground school session, toured aircraft, and spoke directly with professionals. For many of them, it was their first time being that close to an aircraft or inside a hangar. Seeing their reactions was powerful. Students who once thought aviation was out of reach were asking questions, engaging, and imagining themselves in that space. Some even expressed interest in pursuing aviation after the event. In that moment, I realized that helping someone doesn’t always mean solving a problem, it can mean opening a door. This experience also helped me grow. I had to step into a leadership role, communicate professionally, and take responsibility for creating an opportunity that others could benefit from. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and built my confidence. Through Launch Club 39A, I was able to support my peers by giving them access, knowledge, and inspiration. It showed me the importance of representation and exposure in STEM. More importantly, it showed me that even as a student, I can make an impact. Helping others through this experience has shaped how I see my future. As I continue my journey in aviation, I want to keep creating opportunities for others, especially those who may not see themselves in these spaces yet. Because sometimes, all someone needs is one opportunity to see what’s possible.