My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz and I am 39 years old. I am a father to two beautiful girls ages fourteen and four months. I am currently employed in Law Enforcement for the last eighteen years. I have been involved in numerous community mentorship programs. Since becoming a police officer in 2008 I was introduced into the value of mentoring youth. My municipality is an inner-city police department in New Jersey, we deal with a lot of diversity and various income levels. My first experience was approximately 2014, when my department had a hockey team. We participated in the Hero's Cup which was in Lewiston Maine. This tournament consisted of first responders (Police, Fire, EMS) along with military personnel. We raised money for Shriners Hospital through ticket sales along with team registration fees and donations. While competing in this tournament we took a trip to Shriners Hospital to see the children. We handed out stuffed animals, spent some time with them and their families. The excitement, smiles and instant mood change really had me understand what it was all about. Another event that we took part in was with the NHL and Ronald McDonald house. I have included a picture of this event. I was playing with the NJ Devils Alumni, NJ State Police Hockey team along with NYPD and NY Rangers Alumni. We raised money for Ronald McDonald House to provide for less fortunate families. During this event we did not have any direct contact with any of the recipients, but I knew I made a difference in some child’s life somewhere. I participated in a few sanctioned events by my department. I did include a picture of “coffee with a cop.” We would interact with the community while listening to arising concerns. We did have games for children, such as gaming truck. It is a truck that contains gaming consoles. During the best time of the year, Christmas, we would hold toy drives. My department would gather truck loads of toys that had been donated to us, and hold a toy give away. We have four precincts in my department, each would have their own. I loved being these children’s personal “shopping assistant” as they walked through the room and picked which toy they wanted. I would really get an inside view of how every child differed, home life, schoolwork; it really put a smile on my face. Just this past year, 2023, we held an event with the assistance of Big Brother Big Sister, children would come to the ice rink, and we would skate with them. I had the pleasure of teaching numerous under privileged and special need children how to ice skate. I loved seeing the expression on children’s faces when they were getting the hang of it. It brought me boundless joy when I can use a skill of mine and be able to pass it down to someone who might use it one day. In 2017 I was a coach for my daughter’s youth soccer team. We learned to work as a team together as I really have not had any experience with soccer. It was an amazing experience to be able to share those moments with my daughter and all her friends. We really did not do well but building a relationship with those children was a wonderful experience. I have pictures to document some of my experiences, some where lost when changing phones. I can provide them upon request. I do plan to use my college diploma along with my flight school training to reach children who are not fortunate enough to experience aviation. For them to have that sense of freedom to go anywhere, experience the importance of safety and challenge themselves like never before.

While education and I have had a turbulent relationship. Being an immigrant from Poland, it was hard to build a solid foundation. It was hard for me to learn the language, focus in-class along with homework, but most importantly, make friends. I became disinterested in schoolwork throughout my education career. I did attend a local university from 2004 to 2007 while working full time in the electrical union. I would attend night classes, do my schoolwork while riding the train to job sites, or during my lunch breaks. I took the police test in 2006 and received word I would be entering the police academy in 2008. I decided not to finish my degree, against numerous family members giving me advice not to. It did take some time for me to mature and grow as a man. I realized that education is vital for career and personal growth. While my current career comes to a finish, I made the choice to pursue my true love, aviation. I made the decision in 2024 to return to college, to help me jump start my aviation career. I sent out my application to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I was accepted. Returning to school while having a full-time job, and raising children is difficult. It is not just attending college, but I also threw flight school into the mix. Time management becomes difficult. During a normal day, I go to work from 11 PM to 7AM, where I try to complete my schoolwork during breaks and lunch period. When I leave work at 7am I take a 45-minute ride over to my flight school, where I take my flight lessons for two to three hours. I then make my way home where I get a chance to take a nap. My significant other goes to work at 2pm and I stay home with my beautiful baby daughter. In between her naps I will catch up on work from college or flight school. It is a huge adjustment from where I was a few months ago. Besides time management, school has changed a lot since I last attended. Last time I was in college I went in person, sat at a desk, had an instructor lecture me and students to interact with. I attend Embry-Riddle online, with a lot of independent learning, no classroom setting. That still is a little difficult to get used to and requires a lot of discipline. A discipline which I had to find within myself. Education and I have evolved over the years. While juggling a full-time job and two schools along with children I would not change it for the world. I will allow me to become a better well-rounded individual with solid education.

My favorite team USA athlete was a part of the 2010- and 2014-men’s hockey team. This athlete's name is Phil Kessel, and he is an incredibly unique professional athlete. Unlike most athletes who focus on strict eating and workout routines, Phil is a normal guy. He will eat a hotdog before hockey games, he will drink soda in between shifts. For a professional athlete that is unheard of, let alone an Olympic star. Phil was drafted into the NHL in 2006 by the Boston Bruins 5th overall. He did play his first game on October 6th, 2006, which is rare for a freshly drafted player. On Dec 11th Phil was hospitalized with testicular cancer, which was removed, and he has been cancer free. Phil Kessel was selected by Team USA Men's Hockey team in 2010. He played six games where he had one goal and one assist. Pretty impressive for an unorthodox professional athlete. That year Team USA took home the silver medal. Phil was selected for the 2014 Olympic team, and it would be his best year. Once again Phil played six games, he accumulated five goals and three assists for 2014. He did receive awards that year, Olympic All-Star team, and Olympic best forward. While playing in the NHL Phil did win three Stanley Cups (2016,2017,2023). I cheer for Phil Kessel because he is just a regular guy. He is a red-blooded American who eats junk food, drinks soda and is one hell of an athlete. To me he gives hope to regular guys like me, to become professional athletes. His unorthodox diet upsets most NHL players. Players that did not or will not come close to a sliver of accomplishments this man has done through his career. There is a picture floating around the internet of Phil eating a hotdog from the Stanley cup while three more waiting to be eaten. This used to be my background on my computer. Looking at it motivated me; it reminded me that anything is possible with hard work even if it is a path less traveled.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz. I am 39 years old, and I have two daughters (fourteen and four months old). I am currently in my seventeenth year as a Police Officer in the northeast. My family emigrated from Poland in 1988, and I am a first-generation college student. I originally attended college from 2004 to 2007 when I left to pursue my career in law enforcement. I am currently enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I will be studying for my bachelor's degree in aeronautics. I plan to continue my education obtaining a master’s degree and Ph.D. in aviation. While attending the university I will be also attending a flight school to obtain my pilot licenses. After graduation I will become an airline pilot for Silver Airways located in Tampa Florida. While establishing myself as a pilot I would like to open a non-profit flight school. Attending college and flight school is not only a complex but also expensive. Some children may dream of becoming pilots and may come from low-income families that might not be able to support their dreams. My first language is Polish. When my family emigrated to the United States, I was only three years old. As I grew older before attending school it was hard to make friends and become accepted. When I attended school, it was even more difficult to fit in, make friends and learn a new language. I remember being taken out of class and brought into a one-on-one setting to assist me with learning English, this caused quite the stir amongst my classmates. Completing schoolwork was also difficult, I was not proficient in reading or writing in English, which affected my grades. Some teachers were not very empathetic to my situation. I was left back in the sixth grade by a teacher who refused to understand my language barrier. I know it sounds crazy that I would still have issues that far along, but at home I only spoke Polish. This caused translation to be issued for me mentally. I would read in English, try to comprehend what I read, then translate it to Polish so I could understand it. This harsh environment of my classmates molded me into a better person today which helps me strive in my profession today. I originally left college in 2007 to pursue my current career. Coming from an immigrant family you are taught to work hard to achieve your goals and support your family. I attended night classes after working in the electrical union during the day, this put a strain on my mental health. Classes became difficult, homework became impossible to complete, and stress mounted. Looking back now, I was immature and did not know how to time manage. I realized how important higher education is and made the decision to go back to college. This dedication and hard work will resonate through my career goals of becoming a pilot. I am fortunate enough to have a second chance at college where I will not settle just for a bachelor's degree but set a goal of a PH. D. in aviation. I made a successful career in law enforcement; it has become time to move that energy into aviation.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am 39 years old and going back to college for the second time. I originally attended a local university from 2004 to 2007. I did not take my studies seriously as I should have. I attended college at night while working in the electrical union during the day which made my studying and commitment difficult. My first passion was law enforcement, which I had the opportunity to attend the police academy in 2008. I made the decision to leave college to follow my first passion. As I sit here as a 39-year-old man typing, I regret that decision. In 2024 I decided to feed the fuel for my second love, aviation. I was accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I will be pursuing my bachelor's degree in Aeronautics. Once I have my bachelor's I will work towards a Ph.D. in aviation. While attending Embry-Riddle I will be attending a local flight school in my area. Working towards my pilot licenses and endorsements. My main objective is to become an airline pilot with a Ph.D. I would love to gain employment with Silver Airways in Tampa, Florida. I really do love that area. I have been making a positive impact since becoming a police officer. My first experience was approximately 2014, when my department had a hockey team. We participated in the Hero's Cup which was in Lewiston Maine. This tournament consisted of first responders (Police, Fire, EMS) along with military personnel. We raised money for Shriners Hospital through ticket sales along with team registration fees and donations. While competing in this tournament we took a trip to Shriners Hospital to see the children. We handed out stuffed animals, spent time with them and their families. The excitement, smiles and instant mood change really had me understand what it was all about. Another event that we took part in was with the NHL and Ronald McDonald house. I have included a picture of this event. I was playing with the NJ Devils Alumni, NJ State Police Hockey team along with NYPD and NY Rangers Alumni. We raised money for Ronald McDonald House to provide for less fortunate families. During this event we did not have any direct contact with any of the recipients, but I knew I had influence in some child’s life somewhere. Once I settle in my new career as an airline pilot I would like to open a non-profit flight school. Aviation is an expensive hobby to participate in, and even more expensive to break into a career. I can envision kids, like I once was, thinking of becoming an airline pilot. Maybe not even make a career from it but experience new places and cultures. I would like to focus on low-income families with my flight school. I would love to make children’s dreams come true of becoming pilots without the financial stress on the family. I would source donations from corporations, airline manufactures, and airline vendors. While this dream is still in the planning phase, I do have time to fine tune my business model. Receiving your scholarship will bring me one step closer to achieving my dream, which in turn I can allow a child to achieve theirs.

I have mapped out my future with a few goals to hit along the way. This is my second attempt at college as I originally attended a local university from 2004 to 2007. I never completed college, against my mother's wishes, always thinking I could go back. I left college to pursue my first career, which is law enforcement. When I decided to leave, I was a young immature man, with poor guidance from my recruiter. I decided to return to college to help me pursue my ultimate love, aviation. I was accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. Riddle is the school to go to for aviation or anything aero related. I was nervous sending in my application, especially being out of school for almost twenty years. It was an anxious few weeks waiting for the acceptance email, which did arrive, and my first goal was achieved. As I grew older, I realized the importance of a college education, so I set a few goals for me to meet along the way. I will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. Me maintaining this GPA will allow me to join Riddle's honor society. After obtaining my bachelor's I will be pursuing a masters and Ph. D in aviation. A PH.D. is something I always thought was impressive to have and one day wish I could obtain. While attending college I will also attend a local flight school. My ultimate goal is to become an airline pilot, but I would like to have as much education as I can. In flight school I will have to train, evaluate, and show proficiency in numerous aspects of flying. The first step is for me to obtain my private pilot's license, which I am working towards now. Followed by instrument rating, which allows a pilot to fly in cloudy conditions and inclement weather. Once I obtain that rating, I can pursue my commercial pilot’s license. A lot of training that comes at the cost of building hours to become proficient. Once my education is complete, college and flight school, I will be moving to Tampa, Florida. There is an airline, Silver Airways, which is based out of Tampa that I would love to gain employment from. Silver Airways is a smaller regional airline that services most of Florida and the Caribbean. Once I settle in my career I would like to open a flight school, but not just any flight school. My flight school would operate on a non-profit business model which assists low-income children. Aviation is an expensive hobby and career to pursue, where some kids dream of becoming pilots. I would like to make that become a reality. This scholarship would help me tremendously. I plan to pay for both schools from hard work with some overtime. I may have to take out some federal loans to help me find a path the works for me. Winning your scholarship would allow me to focus on my course work for the term and spend time with my family instead of working extra shifts.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am 39 years old and returning to college to pursue my degree as a first-generation student. I am currently employed for seventeen years in law enforcement. I have two beautiful daughters, ages fourteen and four months) and an amazing woman who supports everything I do. A great support system makes a world of difference. This scholarship will help me pay for class credits. Your contribution will be two less shifts of overtime I must work to assist with paying for my education. It would allow me to concentrate on my schoolwork and spend time with my family. Usually, I plan my education around my family, work and overtime shifts I have scheduled which could get demanding sometimes. Embry-Riddle is not the only school I am attending. I also attend a flight school, where I will learn to fly in conjunction with my major. Academically I will be obtaining my bachelor’s degree in aeronautics. Once I have received my bachelors' I will pursue a master’s and PH.D. in aviation. While attending college I will also enroll in flight school. In flight school I will receive all my licenses and ratings to become an airline pilot. Once I have finished college and flight school, I will become an airline pilot. I plan to fly with Silver Airways which is in Tampa, Florida. After I situate myself, I plan to open a non-profit flight school that assists low-income families. Aviation is an expensive hobby or career that kids may never be able to experience. I would like to change that. One of my favorite ways to give back to the community is through a sport I love ice hockey very much. I participated in the Hero's Cup in Lewiston Maine. It is composed to numerous first responder cognizations. While participating in the tournament we went to Shriner's hospital to pass out stuffed animals to children. I have participated in the Ronald McDonald's house charity even with the NHL. My department has organized Big Sister Big Brother events, where I taught children how to ice skate, and spent the day with them. My department also holds toy drives for underprivileged children. We become the children's personal shopping assistants, while helping them pick out toys. One of greatest failures is not listening to my mother and staying in college. I attended a local university from 2004 to 2007, but never finished. I would attend night school as I worked in the electrical union during the day. I left college to pursue my career in law enforcement and never finished. Despite my mother telling me how important a college education is, I never listened. I did not even listen while in school, my transfer credits showed a 1.87 GPA. Unfortunately, my mother has passed since, and it took almost twenty years for me to realize how important a college education is. I am presented with a second opportunity to attend college, and I will be a different person than I was decades ago. My greatest strengths are that I am dynamic and evolving. I am always eager to learn new things. When covid was in full swing in 2020 I taught myself how to detail paint. From decontamination, to polishing to ceramic coating; all from YouTube videos and experimenting on my truck. Four years later she still looks great.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Aeronautics while enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I am 39 years old first-generation college student returning to complete his education. My goal is to obtain my bachelor's degree in aeronautics followed by a master’s degree and ending with a Ph. D. in aviation. While attending college I will also attend flight school earning my pilots license and all my ratings. I will become an airline pilot once my education is finished, flying for Silver Airways located in Tampa, Florida. Currently I have been employed as a law enforcement officer for seventeen years with eight years left in my career to retire. During the first year my university breaks their terms to nine weeks with three terms a year. Each year will cost seventeen thousand dollars including books. Financial aid presented me with a $9500-dollar unsubsidized loan which leaves me with $7,500 for the year to cover, which broke down to $625 a month. My first year of flight school to obtain my private pilot license is approximately $15,000 for the license. Unfortunately, I was only able to be presented with a rough estimate as the cost can vary based on learning ability, weather cooperation and aircraft availability. This equates to $1,250 dollars per month for the year to obtain my private pilot license. During my first year I will have to work 23 hours of overtime a month to help me cover my educational costs. My second year of school will cost the same amount, the only difference will be in my flight school. My next rating for my license is instrument rating. Instrument rating is utilized to fly the aircraft in low visibility, severe weather and flying in the clouds. My understanding is the cost is approximately $14,000. I would still work my 23 hours a month to help cover my cost. My third-year college would stay the same, but I would incur a significant impact at flight school. The approximate cost of me obtaining my commercial pilots license is an eye watering $80,000. I would have to work 40 hours of overtime a month to help cover my costs just for flight school. My final year in college the costs would stay the same, but I would get a break from flight school. While having my commercial pilots license, I must build up hours. My estimate is it would cost me $1,500 a month. I have not been able to find solid costs for a master’s degree with Embry-Riddle, the best estimate I received was $40,000. I am not able to locate the amount which the federal loan will be until I commit to the program. While pursuing my education and second career I will be juggling my family time with a newborn along with a full-time job. Thankfully, I work the graveyard shift where I can do some of my schoolwork, and in the morning head to the airport for some training. Come home, take a nap, and watch my daughter. I know it is a challenge; it will take a lot of hard work and commitment. Aviation has been a passion of mine for a decades, and I will meet these challenges while remaining successful.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, and I am a father to two beautiful daughters, ages fourteen and four months. While going back to college was not an easy task, it becomes more complicated with a newborn. One of the hardest challenges is time management. Juggling a full-time job where I work overnight, flight school in the morning and college online classes. Unfortunately, my fourteen-year-old does not live with me, which would help tremendously while I am trying to do schoolwork, or study for FAA exams. I try to get some work done while my daughter takes a nap during the day, which usually allows me about an hour. There are days where she only naps twenty minutes, which severely affects my concentration. Usually, I try to catch up on schoolwork on mine or my significant other days off from work when she can take our daughter. There are days when the work piles on, and I look at the clock and its usually four in the morning. Working overnight gives me a slight advantage of staying up late to complete my work. As I made the decision to go back to school, pursue my passion in aviation and turn it into a career; I knew it was going to be expensive. There are days when I work overtime shifts during various hours of the day to assist me in paying for both schools. Adding that into the mix really allows me to appreciate how valuable time is. I still manage to complete my tasks while being slightly sleep deprived, but I know it is for a better future for me and my family. The scholarship would help me subrationally, allowing me to cover most of my nine-week term. I would not have to work as much overtime in the nine-week period and devote that time to my children. Lessing the stress on me while allowing me to concentrate on my schoolwork, bringing me closer to obtaining my degree. I have three years left to obtain my bachelor's degree, moving onto my master’s, and finally obtaining my Ph. D in aeronautics and aviation. Pursuing my passions has always been a goal of mine, my educational goal is to have a career as an airline pilot. My first daughter being fourteen years old, while she does not live with me, she will learn a valuable lesson. For her to pursue her passions, set goals and meet them with hard work. I always tell her college is an important ingredient for success but needs to follow up with hard work. My younger daughter will one day also see what hard work and dedication can result in. This scholarship will allow my children to see that there is more to college than just a classroom that requires dedication and perseverance. Such as authoring essays utilizing critical thinking and life experiences. While it is exceedingly difficult to juggle schoolwork and flight school while being a single parent, I would not change it for the world. I love to challenge myself and I can see the results of my dedication. While I shape my future to better my children’s lives, it will teach them to have the same drive and perseverance that I have to spectacular results.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am currently studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics. After obtaining my bachelor's I will pursue my master’s and Ph.D. in aviation. While attending college, I am also attending flight school, where I train to become a pilot. While many kids dream of becoming pilots, aviation is an expensive career to pursue. Unfortunately, some may never live out their dreams. When my family emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1988, we settled in an urban inner city in the northeast. While growing up my family or friends did not have money. Currently being employed as a first responder in the same town, I see on a daily basis how low-income families struggle. After concluding my college education and aviation requirements, I will be a pilot for Silver Airways, which is in Tampa, Florida. After settling in my career, I desire to open a flight school, but not your ordinary flight school. My school will operate as a nonprofit. I would source donations from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and large businesses. My flight school would be helping children from low-income families who have an interest in aviation but might not be able to afford it. In my career I have volunteered in numerous events that benefit children. Being able to see a child smile who might not on normal occasions, is priceless. Building my flight school will give me a sense of accomplishment and provide children with the chance to achieve something they dream about. This will also lessen the financial strain of families who work hard and want to support their children's dreams. While allowing the family to spend more well-deserved time with their children, instead of working extra shifts to cover these costs. This is still in the planning phase, and I will finalize my flight school through the years.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am 39 years old and going back to college. I am currently employed in law enforcement for the last seventeen years. I have a fourteen-year-old daughter who I have not seen in six years due to an overly complex and drawn-out divorce, and the court not assisting me. Two years into my divorce I met an incredibly supportive, loving, and compassionate women and we welcomed our daughter into this world in June of 2024. I emigrated from Poland in 1988 at the age of three and began playing hockey. I have played on various travel teams, participated in numerous tournaments, and played varsity hockey at my high school. I have also done charity events with the NHL and other organizations benefiting children. My current family dynamic is amazing. I try to provide the best life I can for my two daughters as I did not have a great childhood. My current girlfriend is very supportive when it comes to me going to college and flight school. She usually tries to take care of the child while I study and do my schoolwork, but she works various hours. I complete my college work and flight school studies while my child takes her naps or goes to sleep for the night. I also work overnights and try to squeeze in some extra studying while I can, but it is not always guaranteed. I did not always have a good support system as my father was rarely around, my mother worked all day long. Thankfully my neighborhood had good neighbors that looked after me. This made me realize the importance of being there for your children, as I will be for my daughters. Currently I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I am studying Aeronautics to obtain my bachelor's degree. After finishing my bachelor's degree, I will be pursuing a master’s then studying for my Ph. D. in Aviation. This is my second attempt at being a first-generation college student. Originally, I attended a local university from 2004-2007 when I left to pursue my career in law enforcement. As I became older, I realized how important a college education is, and made the choice to return. I believe this will set a good example for my two children that education is particularly important. While attending college I will also be attending flight school to obtain my pilot’s license. After completing my education, I will be an airline pilot. I will be working for Silver Airways which is in Tampa, Florida. Silver Airways is a small regional airline that flies to numerous locations in Florida and the Caribbean. Aviation is an expensive hobby and career to break into. Besides obtaining a college degree one needs to enroll in flight school. In flight school you must receive your private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial license then finally an airline transport license. Besides direct training, one must build hours in each category prior to obtaining a certificate or license. Renting aircraft is excessively expensive. Once I establish myself, I am looking to open a nonprofit flight school. Some children dream of becoming pilots, but coming from low-income households may not be possible. I would like to change that and make people’s dreams come true.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, and I am a father to two beautiful daughters, ages fourteen and four months. While going back to college was not an easy task, it becomes more complicated with a newborn. One of the hardest challenges is time management. Juggling a full-time job where I work overnight, flight school in the morning and college online classes. Unfortunately, my fourteen-year-old does not live with me, which would help tremendously while I am trying to do schoolwork, or study for FAA exams. I try to get some work done while my daughter takes a nap during the day, which usually allows me about an hour. There are days where she only naps twenty minutes, which severely affects my concentration. Usually, I try to catch up on schoolwork on mine or my significant other days off from work when she can take our daughter. There are days when the work piles on, and I look at the clock and its usually four in the morning. Working overnight gives me a slight advantage of staying up late to complete my work. As I made the decision to go back to school, pursue my passion in aviation and turn it into a career; I knew it was going to be expensive. There are days when I work overtime shifts during various hours of the day to assist me in paying for both schools. Adding that into the mix really allows me to appreciate how valuable time is. I still manage to complete my tasks while being slightly sleep deprived, but I know it is for a better future for me and my family. The scholarship would help me subrationally, allowing me to cover most of my nine-week term. I would not have to work as much overtime in the nine-week period and devote that time to my children. Lessing the stress on me while allowing me to concentrate on my schoolwork, bringing me closer to obtaining my degree. I have three years left to obtain my bachelor's degree, moving onto my master’s, and finally obtaining my Ph. D in aeronautics and aviation. Pursuing my passions has always been a goal of mine, my educational goal is to have a career as an airline pilot. My first daughter being fourteen years old, while she does not live with me, she will learn a valuable lesson. For her to pursue her passions, set goals and meet them with hard work. I always tell her college is an important ingredient for success but needs to follow up with hard work. My younger daughter will one day also see what hard work and dedication can result in. This scholarship will allow my children to see that there is more to college than just a classroom that requires dedication and perseverance. Such as authoring essays utilizing critical thinking and life experiences. While it is exceedingly difficult to juggle schoolwork and flight school while being a single parent, I would not change it for the world. I love to challenge myself and I can see the results of my dedication. While I shape my future to better my children’s lives, it will teach them to have the same drive and perseverance that I have to spectacular results.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, and insurance plays a significant role in our everyday life. There are various policies that protect people's investments, property, and lives. Auto insurance provides us with coverage in case we suffer a loss. Whether the loss is a vehicle or medical, insurance is there to have our back. Vehicle body repairs or vehicle replacement could be detrimental to a person's financial budget. Paying five hundred dollars for a deductible versus thousands. Insurance companies also hold body shops to a higher standard of repair, making sure repairs are correctly performed. Homeowners insurance secures one of our biggest investments while securing our belongings inside. Life insurance is important to secure your family's future. Medical insurance is a necessity with astronomical medical costs in today's world. It is paramount to have coverage as medical bills could cripple someone's financial life. The birth of my child four months ago came with a cost of $44,000 which insurance covered, all it cost me was my co-pay. Insurance agencies play a crucial role in our lives. Each agency has a professional who offers expert advice to the customer. The agent can explain complex insurance policies to the customer who can then make an informed decision on which policy suits their needs. Independent insurance agents work with numerous vendors which could yield a better price point while suiting requirements. Local agents can tailor your policy to any unique challenges for your area. Agents also offer ongoing support for their customers, reviewing policies, coverage, and deductibles. This could offer you better price points when it comes time to renew. Insurance impacts us in a positive manner but allows us to have peace of mind. Insurance is not purchased with the intent to be utilized but it is great to know if you need it, it is there. With rising costs of everything in the world, having a policy could mean the difference between paying a fraction or being stuck with the bill for thousands. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees that insurance is necessary or a promising idea. Since covid there has been an increase in vehicles being operated with no insurance, fake insurance cards leaving the operator to perform necessary repair costs. Lack of life insurance leaves family members in shock when it is time to pay for a funeral. A major downside is increasing premiums. While being a safe operator, no accidents, claims, or tickets; my premium rises yearly. When I call to inquire, I get told it is due to others filing claims. I understand that the premium payments are placed in a pool and utilized for payments. I feel as if there is no reward for being a safe proficient operator. Given today's economy, families living paycheck to paycheck some reward system needs to be instituted. Individuals who do cause an increase in premiums should be burdened with the cost of the increased premiums.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz. I am 39 years old, and I have two daughters (fourteen and four months old). I am currently in my seventeenth year as a Police Officer in the northeast. My family emigrated from Poland in 1988, and I am a first-generation college student. I originally attended college from 2004 to 2007 when I left to pursue my career in law enforcement. I am currently enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I will be studying for my bachelor's degree in aeronautics. I plan to continue my education obtaining a master’s degree and Ph.D. in aviation. While attending the university I will be also attending a flight school to obtain my pilot licenses. After graduation I will become an airline pilot for Silver Airways located in Tampa Florida. While establishing myself as a pilot I would like to open a non-profit flight school. Attending college and flight school is not only a complex but also expensive. Some children may dream of becoming pilots and may come from low-income families that might not be able to support their dreams. My first language is Polish. When my family emigrated to the United States, I was only three years old. As I grew older before attending school it was hard to make friends and become accepted. When I attended school, it was even more difficult to fit in, make friends and learn a new language. I remember being taken out of class and brought into a one-on-one setting to assist me with learning English, this caused quite the stir amongst my classmates. Completing schoolwork was also difficult, I was not proficient in reading or writing in English, which affected my grades. Some teachers were not very empathetic to my situation. This added to the harsh environment of my classmates molded me into a better person today which helps me strive in my profession today. The city I am employed with does not have any other Polish speaking officers, but we do have some Polish residence and vacationers. I have used Polish numerous times in assisting with investigations to responding to 911 calls for service. There was one instance where officers were called to a Polish residence where the family had lost contact with their older teen child. I was able to speak to the family and locate their loved one in New York at a local hospital. I have also used Polish outside of my employment such as in stores assisting newcomers with their purchases. I also instruct my children and my wife the Polish language. My fourteen-year-old can speak three languages, which could not have been possible if I were not bilingual. While I did have a rough childhood, I would not trade it for the world.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, and I am returning to college after taking approximately twenty years off. I attended college from 2004 to 2007 when I left to pursue my current career in Law Enforcement. Being young I never realized that I would have this void. As it comes time for me to leave my current career and pursue my next career and love for aviation. Your scholarship will assist me with obtaining my bachelor's degree with Embry-Riddle, following up with a masters. I will become an airline pilot. While being in law enforcement, especially at an early age, it has taught me to give back to the community. Being a police officer with an inner-city police department, I see the importance of giving back to the community. Aviation is an expensive hobby and career to enter. The average cost of obtaining a private pilot license is approximately $15,000 and that is just the beginning. Aviation is a skill you acquire through challenging work and needs to be maintained proficient. How do you keep it sharp? By renting airplanes and flying to build hours to equate into experience. The average cost of an hour of flight is two hundred dollars. Most airlines require a college degree to be hired, that adds substantial amount for anyone to pursue a career in aviation. While the costs are astronomical, I will achieve my goal of finishing college and flight school. While I work on my education and break through my new career as a pilot, others to whom are less fortunate might be not be able. I began to brainstorm how I can make an impact in someone's life to help them achieve their goal. Eventually after settling into my career as a pilot, I would like to own my own plane, which lead me to open my own flight school. My school would be in Tampa Florida, the airline I want to fly for is located there, it would aid low-income children. The school would be on a non-profit basis and rely on donations to operate. Operating my school on this basis would hopefully encourage children who have a passion in aviation to pursue their dreams. While my idea is still in the planning phase, I cannot wait to make it come to fruition. If awarded your scholarship it will bring me closer to my educational and career dream while assisting others in the future. Through my research of flight schools, I have yet to come across one that offers a business plan like mine.

I am pursuing a degree in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This will be my second attempt at college, as my first one did not go as planned. I left college early to pursue a passion of mine, but I am getting ready to retire. I made the choice to return and further my education which goes hand in hand with my second passion, aviation. Aviation has not always been a love of mine, but a fear. When I first began flying, I would sit in my seat clenching the arm rest with my nails, sweat dripping down my forehead and cheat tightening. Every bump, noise just amplified it. I am the type of person who does not allow fear to get the best of me, I am also a researcher. The more I researched aviation I realized its importance to the globe. I saw how it linked cultures from around the world, provided aid to those in need, and allowed people to explore destinations not accessible by other methods. What really drew me was the complexity that comes with flying a plane, its not just turn the key and go. As a pilot you have an immense responsibility, not just for individuals inside of your plane but on the ground as well. I really do love how each element affects another. Having your altitude correct, making sure the plane has the correct attitude, also having the correct airspeed so the wind flows over your wings giving you lift. Calculating different routes to avoid bad weather, or how bigger planes cause turbulence. I decided to take a discovery flight as a part of my journey to obtain all my licenses and ratings. Being given the opportunity to control the plane, just threw gas on the fire inside of me. I knew I made the right choice. Aviation is an expensive career to get into. The added expense of flight school along with college is just the beginning. There are medical exams that are needed along with ground school training. As a part of my journey to one day fly the big jets, I must obtain a certified flight instructor license. My main goal is to fly for Silver Airways down in Tampa Florida. I would like to one own a Cessna 210N plane to fly my family but possibly open a flight school. This would not be your regular flight school, but more of a one-on-one style. I would like to help low-income students experience flight and obtain their license at a substantially lower cost. I can see some wanting to become pilots or just learn to fly but get hit with sticker shock when it comes to financial aspect of aviation

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz I am 39 years old and going back to college. I am currently seventeen years into my second career as a police officer. I am pursuing my passion in aviation and making it my third career. I started my college journey in 2004 attending a local university. I was not able to complete my degree while leaving to pursue my career in law enforcement. While nearing my retirement from law enforcement, I will be pursuing a career in aviation. In today's technologically driven environment I will be attending an online college. This is non-traditional for me. While attending school I will also be working full time overnight while going to flight school on my days off. In the midst of all my school work I will also be looking after my newborn daughter while my wife is at work. I know this will be a challenge, but I love challenges. My passions drive me to do more. My passion for aviation has been put to the side as I pursued my first passion of law enforcement. I knew I could just go to flight school, learn to fly and get my ratings, but I always wanted to finish college. Most importantly I want to set a good example for my daughter. I want her to realize the importance of education and never giving up on dreams. After obtaining my bachelor's degree in Aeronautics I plan on moving towards a masters degree. My ultimate goal is to have my Ph.D. in aviation.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am currently enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I will be obtaining my bachelors degree in aeronautics. I plan on continuing my education to obtaining a masters then PhD. I chose aviation as its my second passion, a passion that I put off to the side. I was able to make a successful career from my first passion, time to do the same with my second. I plan on becoming a pilot for Silver Airways which is located in Tampa, Florida. Aviation is an expensive hobby and career to begin and sustain. I plan on owning my own plane one day, a Cessna 210N while living in near Tampa Florida. When I came to America, my family and I lived in an urban city, Jersey City, NJ. Growing up my parents did not have a lot of money, but just enough to get by. A good number of my friends came from low income upbringing. We were not able to participate in sports or hobbies who our friends with money could. Once I establish myself as an airline pilot I would like to open a flight school. Most flight schools are ridiculously priced or moderately price, still out of reach for many. I plan to open a non profit flight school where I could teach low income kids to fly. Open their world to the wonders of aviation, some may want to be pilots, but can not due to sticker shock for training necessary. I believe I will be successful, because I have yet to find an idea like mine. Success to me is not measure in a financial way but by enrichment. I have done some volunteer work for children, and it brings a smile to my face knowing I may have changed someone's life. Knowing that I may have the potential of exposing a child to the freedom of aviation is all I need to be successful. It may take sometime to get my idea off the ground, hard work and dedication but in the end it will be worth it. A successful life to me looks as follows. My current career reaching retirement age, which is eight years from now. While working full time, raising my family I will obtain my degrees and finish flight school with the necessary certificates. Obtaining my dream job with Silver Airway, and being able to open my flight school. I know it sounds like a lot. I love challenges, and reaching my goals.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz and I overcame a huge impasse my father and I had due to his heart issues. My father and I never had a really good relationship growing up. He was one of those, absentee fathers that was usually never around. I always thought he treated me like a nuisance than a child. My family is from Europe, my father is "old country" he is very stubborn, does not believe in doctors or medicine. Shortly after my mom passed, we began talking, but still did not have a close relationship. He called me one day in 2017, asking me to take him to the heart doctor. He was having pain in his neck, numbness his arms and shortness of breath. He did recently quit smoking, so I did not think much of it. While sitting at the doctors office, my father and I spoke a little, just the regular small talk. Once we went inside to the exam room, the doctor walked in, began his evaluation. He recommended we go the the hospital at to be admitted over night for evaluation. My father refused to go in an ambulance, and wanted me to drive him. One the way to the hospital I was really attempting to convince him to not sign himself out and see what the doctors find. I understood his nervousness as my mom just recently passed, he lost his brother in Europe. I spent the night with him. The next morning the doctor comes in and begins explaining that my father needs open heart surgery with a triple by pass. I sat there and could not believe what I was hearing, I really did not want to lose another parent. The surgical staff came into the room and took him to the operating room. I stood in the waiting room, hoping everything was going well as thousands of thoughts raced through my mind. Four hours had passed when the surgeon came out to speak with me, telling me everything went fine and my dad is in recovery. I lived an hour and half from the hospital, and worked the midnight shift at work. I would leave work, go to his house to shower, then go to the hospital. I would help my dad with eating, translating to the doctors and anything else he needed. We really do not have any family in America besides ourselves and my young daughter. We spent five days in the hospital before being moved to physical therapy. Spending time with my dad through this scary and major operation brought us closer together. This misfortune allowed us to clear whatever impasse we could not do normally. Over the years our relationship did grow stronger, we went from being distant cousins you talk to only on holidays to best friends. The bond we formed allowed me to move across the street from him. We spend everyday together, whether its just talking, to going to hockey games. This pretty thankful for this traumatic event for allowing us to have a relationship.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz and unfortunately both my parents have been affected by cancer. My family emigrated from Poland in 1988 and unfortunately, we were affected by the Chernobyl disaster as downwinders. I remember my mother telling me about iodine pills, she and my father had to take them. I was only one year old when the nuclear disaster shook the world, so I do not remember much. When I was about six or seven years old my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I vaguely remember my mother talking with family about her devastation once she received the news. My father did go for surgery to remove a good portion of his thyroid, with my mother caring for him as it was very painful. Thankfully, he made a full recovery but unfortunately must take levothyroxine for the rest of his life. My mother’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock and devastated my family. It was springtime of 2014 when I was staying at my parents’ house. I would usually stay there throughout the week as I worked seventeen-hour shifts. She told me and my father she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and stage three lung cancer. She did try and assure us that it would be remissible, and we had nothing to worry about. My heart nearly sank, it felt like I was having an out of body experience. My mother and I had a remarkably close relationship. She was the one who pushed me to pursue higher education, but also supported my decision to leave to pursue my first passion, law enforcement. My daughter was three years old when the news broke, and I had no idea how to even tell her, or even if I should. My dad and I share responsibility to take my mom to her treatments. We went to chemo and radiation, one of the hardest things I had to do. Shortly after beginning her treatments, she decided to shave off her hair, as she knew it would eventually begin to fall out. I took a ride to TJMAXX, I bought hair clippers and made my way to their house. I remember shaving her hair and crying trying to convince myself things would get better. Seeing my mother in that condition, how fragile she was, I could do nothing about it. After a while, my mom’s condition began improving slightly. She became a little more active, her hair began to grow back. I lived an hour and five minutes away from my parents, my mom began taking the trip down to my house. She would come at the weekend, spend time with my family and my daughter. She was doing well. When 2016 hit, things took a turn for the worse. Her cancer came back vigorously. She started to become frail, began losing a sense of reality, you could tell things were looking bleak. I would spend more time at their home, helping my dad. On December 22nd of 2016 my dad called me while I was working, telling me my mom could not breathe. Being a police officer, I rushed home and radioed for help. I escorted the ambulance to the hospital, not knowing that she would never return. She passed away on December 24th of 2016, Christmas is never the same. I decided to go back to college because I know this is something she envisioned for me. I just wish I did it sooner and she could see me graduate. I know she will be here in spirit and support me.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz and I am pursuing my passion of aviation. My adoration with aviation first started as a fear. I was always scared to get on a plane and fly. I would sit in the seat nails digging into arm rests, muscles tightening and heart pounding. The more i research aviation I began to fall in love with it. The freedom of going anywhere you want around the globe. Exposure to various cultures and customs. What really had me hooked was how complex it is to fly an airplane. It's not like a car where you sit, turn the key, hit the gas and go. The avionics inside, managing altitude to air speed to attitude of the plane. When I first took my discovery flight, the limited time I had control of the airplane, even tho it was a small Cessna 172, it lit a fire inside of me; I knew I made the right choice. Aviation is an expensive hobby, and a lot of individuals may not be able to experience the same feelings I have. I hope one day to be able to own a Cessna 210N, a pressurized general aviation plane. I would love to open a small aviation school with one on one teaching. I plan on offering cost effective or even free training to kids who come from low income families. My family emigrated from Poland in 1988, we didn't have much money, it made me a better person that I am today. Being a police officer in the inner city I see on a daily basis how low income situation affect children. I would like to make that difference even if it is one child. I love challenges and set small goals before I tackle any large goals. My main goal for my professional career is to pilot Silver Airways in Tampa Florida. I met my first goal being accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. While attending Embry-Riddle I will maintain a GPA of at least 3.7 while joining their honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda. Obtaining a bachelor's degree will then push me to go for a masters in aeronautics. I will be juggling college and flight school at the same time to receive all my certifications, rating and hours. This will be a long, adventurous journey in my academic and professional career that I would love to take you along on.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz. I am 39 years old and currently work in Law Enforcement. I never finished college, but I decided to better my life and pursue a degree in aeronautics. Currently I hold Restricted Radio Operators license from the FCC and a Class One medical certificate. Unfortunately, aviation is a new passion I have recently discovered. I will be attending Princeton Flight School located in Princeton, New Jersey to obtain my certificates. I wish I could offer more now but everyone must start somewhere and this is my journy. I would love for you scholarship to help me obtain my goals with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and my passion for aviation. I decided on a career in aviation as it became my second passion. My first was Law enforcement which I have a very successful career in. My deep affection for aviation evolved from fear. I was once scared of flying, but it always did interest me. The more I researched aviation I realized the freedom that comes with it. I would sit and watch airplanes take off and think I wonder where these people are going? Who are they going to see? I decided to take a discovery flight, to solidify the fire that was burning in me to one day be behind the yoke. I have a very meticulous personality, and love to face challenges. Aviation checks both those boxes. Performing all the checklists, inspections of aircraft to the maintenance performed. I love the challenge that comes along with flying, it's no easy task. Dealing with weather, headings, flight charts and emergencies. I will be that pilot who over excels in every challenge that I may encounter. I hope to earn my bachelor's degree followed by my masters degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle. In conjunction with my college education I will be attending Princeton Flight School where I will first obtain my PPL, followed by instrument rating, multi engine rating and commercial license. I have not narrowed down a school where to earn my ATP license, that's still in the research phase. I have eight years left in my law enforcement career, I will be earning my hours to satisfy any and all requirements. My main goal is to fly an ATR 72-600 operated by Silver Airways. The are located in Tampa Florida, which is also an area I was hoping to retire. I would love to fly people to Silver Airways Caribbean destinations. I also would stay current with smaller aircraft as one day I hope to own a Cessna 210N (pressurized version) and fly my family all over the country. I do enjoy giving back to the community I did kick around the idea of opening a one on one flight school for less fortunate children. Where I would be the only instructor giving dedicated one on one instructions. Aviation has become important to be since it use to be a fear of mine. Fear is hard to overcome, not only did I overcome it but a love for flying had been forged. This symbolizes to me that I an over come any challenges that my lay in my path to my dream job and goals I have set.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz and one of my most severe losses was the still of my son. The year of 2016 and 2017 were very rough on my family and myself. My mom was dying of lung cancer with no remission in sight, we did however receive good news in October of 2016. My wife came into the living and told me we were having our second child. I was so excited to hear the news, just dreaming of what we were having. Unfortunately my mother never had the opportunity to be my support when devisation hit on July 3rd of 2017. I remember the day like it was yesterday, July 2nd of 2017 my wife was in the pool with my daughter hanging out when she began feeling ill. She had a sharp pain come about her abdomen, and we rushed to the hospital. We waited what seemed like forever in the emergency room, we were finally taken into our own room. The medical staff began hooking her to various devices, and we received the worst new possible, they could not find a heartbeat. We attempted to remain hopeful, no matter how many times and ways they check, there was no heartbeat present. The amount of devastation that took place at the very second felt as if a massive part had been ripped out of me.The following day my wife had a emergency C Section to remove my son, and I had chance to meet him. A family before ours suffered the devastation and donated a cuddle cot to the hospital. This device is a basket that is cooled by liquid, which helps preserve the baby. I am very grateful for that opportunity as I spent two days with my son, Liam Anotni Zylkiewicz. The amount of emotions that flowed through my body were almost impossible to process, all I could do is go numb and cry uncontrollably. Four days after Liam passed we gave him a funeral inside a small wood coffin. The cemetery was very accomodating and allowed us to bury him with my mom and still leaving space for my father. This shaped my life in many ways. This is an event that you never get over, forget but learn to live around. I gained self guidance, how to deal with adversity and hardship. I realized the mind is a powerful tool when used to disguise pain. After Liam's passing I learned to not be complacent, and to enjoy every moment I can. I know that anything I planned on doing with Liam, that he's always there with me enjoying it as well in spirit. Recently I was lucky enough to welcome my new daughter into the world. I worry more about her after Liam had passed than I would if I did not experience this traumatic event take place. I have a deeper appreciation for the time I spend with her, that I may not have if I did not go through this event.

My name is Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz, I am 39 years old, and made the decision to return to college. I did a few semesters in my earlier years (2004-2007) before leaving. I never finished due to me pursuing one of my passions, law enforcement. I was guided by the misconception that I would be all right without obtaining a degree. I have made the choice to pursue higher education for two reasons. The most important is to make my family proud of me. Not just my parents but my children as well, I want to set a good example so they will not make the same mistakes I had. My family emigrated from Poland in 1988, and all I saw growing up was my parents working hard. As I got older, I realized it was to provide a better life for me as I was the only child. My mother pushed me to go to college, I was resistive but decided to go. While attending college at night mostly, due to me working in the electrical union during the daytime. I kept saying to myself this is not for me. I decided to pursue my first passion, law enforcement. After speaking to a recruiter, who convinced me that I did not need a college degree to be an officer and would not receive any compensation for having a degree. I decided to quit college in 2007 with an abysmal 1.8 GPA and start the police academy. My second reason is time to pursue my second passion as I am nearing retirement, aviation. I fell in love with aviation as I got older. It began as a fear of getting on a plane, being 33,000 feet in the air without understanding it. That fear soon turned to love, passion and appreciation. The more I researched a career in the aviation field, I came to realize how beneficial a college education is. That made me understand, I can finally have a reason to better myself with a college education along with flight school. I took a chance and applied to Embry-Riddle, as I eagerly waited for a response, I would sit there and daydream how I would not be the same person I was in 2004. I would wake up in the middle of the night checking my email looking for anything titled Embry-Riddle. I would wait for the mail carrier just in case it did not come electronically. Finally, I received my acceptance, and it just increased the fire inside of me to do better than before, start a new and better chapter in my life. My main preparation has come with age, maturity. I am a completely different man than I was back in 2004. After having a second opportunity to attend college as a first-generation student but this time doing it correctly. Having the drive to succeed, the fight to being the best in my major, aeronautics. I set goals for myself. My first goal is to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher, which is a necessity for my second goal. My second goal is to become a member of Embry-Riddle's honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda, which requires the 3.7 GPA. I have been preparing for this opportunity for an exceptionally long time, setting short term goal which will lead me to obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I do not plan to stop there, as I strive to receive a masters in Aeronautics. I know I am better prepared now than I was two decades ago.