Aviation has truly given me everything, and I say this wholeheartedly. My journey in aviation began my senior year of high school. At that time my family was facing hardships, and I temporarily lived with a close friend. My self-worth was low, I was constantly comparing myself to others who seemed more put together. I was so jealous of other’s families, achievements, looks, finances, you name it. With graduation coming up, the stress of my future, college, and what career I should pursue crept upon me. I was drawn to aviation but never believed it was an option for someone like me. I didn’t fit the “Maverick” stereotype. I was just a high school girl with big dreams and little direction. One day, as a plane flew overhead, I confessed to my best friend Brielle how much I admired pilots. Her father was an airline pilot and his stories had always fascinated me. To my surprise, she felt the same way. “Why can’t we?” she asked. That simple question changed everything. Soon after, I took a discovery flight at a local flight school. I was hooked. With the help of Brielle’s father, I found an amazing instructor and began the journey of becoming a pilot. Flying became my escape and, eventually, my salvation. In aviation, I found structure, purpose, and confidence. I leaned into it with everything I had. What once seemed out of reach became my foundation, and eventually a reality. In pursuing it, I became a leader - both in my own life and among my peers. I paid for my private pilot license entirely on my own through various jobs in the restaurant industry. It wasn’t easy. I am proud to say that I passed the check ride the day before moving into college! I continue to fund my instrument rating while studying Aviation Management at Bridgewater State University. Balancing finances, school work, and flying isn’t always easy but I can also say that going to college and being involved in clubs such as Women in Aviation and on the E-board of Alpha Eta Rho (a national professional co-ed fraternity) has fueled my passion even more. I cannot stress enough how much my peers have positively influenced me in striving for my dreams. At this point, I am willing to stop at nothing to achieve my goal of becoming an airline pilot. This past summer I took a break from flying to save money for my instrument rating, I have since completed the Part 61 instrument rating requirement of fifty PIC cross country hours, and have been working on the training for some time out of Alpha One flight school. In the next year, I foresee myself earning my instrument rating and beginning my commercial license! In my free time, I am always sure to visit Hampton airfield, where I got my Private License, and lend a helping hand, or just say “Hi!” to the people who believed in me when I didn’t. When I reach my goal of becoming an airline pilot, I will give back to young students who need the confidence boost and encouragement to strive for their dreams, especially young girls in my position right now. I know first hand the discouragement that comes from funding your dreams, and the setbacks it brings. I cannot wait for when I am finally able to give back to the community that has given me everything.

“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future” was a quote my mother frequently stressed as I grew up. Although she is no longer a part of my life, her words have stayed with me every minute, guiding me through each day. Brielle is my best friend and through our friendship I whole heartedly understand what my mother meant. We were always described by everyone as “two peas in a pod.” Where one went, the other followed. I’ve met many amazing people, but nothing compares to the influence a true friend can have on your ambition and success. In our friendship, I cold see we were both focused on the “right” things, I could see a successful future. We inspired one another through a healthy sense of competition - pushing each other to get good grades, land jobs in the restaurant industry, and achieve dreams. Her father was an airline pilot, and his stories fascinated me. I was drawn to aviation but never believed it was an option for someone like me. I didn’t fit the “Maverick” stereotype. I was just a high school girl with big dreams and little direction. One day, as a plane flew overhead, I confessed to Brielle how much I admired pilots. To my surprise, she felt the same way. “Why can’t we?” she asked. That simple question changed everything. Soon after, I took a discovery flight at a local flight school. I was hooked. With the help of Brielle’s father, we found an amazing instructor and began our journey toward becoming pilots. We supported each other every step of the way - backseating one another on each flight, studying late into the night, and sharing our victories and setbacks. I paid for my private pilot license entirely on my own and continue to fund my instrument rating through restaurant jobs while studying Aviation Management at Bridgewater State University. It hasn't been easy. I faced financial and personal obstacles, especially during my senior year of high school when I had to live with a friend due to family hardships. At that time, my self-worth was low, and I constantly compared myself to others who seemed more put together. I was so jealous of other’s families, achievements, looks, finances, you name it. Flying became my escape and, eventually, my salvation. In aviation, I found structure, purpose, and confidence. I leaned into it with everything I had. What once seemed out of reach became my foundation, and eventually became a reality. In pursuing it, I became a leader, both in my own life and among my peers. Through this journey of many hardships, life lessons, tears, failures, and successes while obtaining my private pilot license I was able to find a true sense of leadership within myself. I learned how to take charge of my life. I now encourage my friends and those around me to pursue what they love, no matter the obstacles. Through flying, I’ve gained more than a skill – I have found strength, resilience, and community. The support and compassion of the aviation world reminded me that with hard work and belief in yourself, it is possible, no matter what your circumstances are.

Of course I love flying. I love the feeling of smoothly bringing the yoke back as you reach rotation speed, I love the feeling of finding a checkpoint on a cross country, or absolutely greasing a landing. The fun has always been there, but the passion lies somewhere else. My passion for the world of aviation really came to life when I met my CFI Tim Choate. I had been flying for a couple of hours at that point and knew I liked it, but my perspective completely shifted when Tim, a captain for Delta as well as CFI at my local airfield, introduced and welcomed me into the aviation community. I started flying during a difficult time in my life when when I had little family support. The community of aviation absolutely transformed this time when I needed it the most. The support and connection made through such a specific shared interest is an unmatched bond. I truly believe that there is no other community on this planet that is as close knit and passionate about their cause. When I entered college I chose Bridgewater State University for their aviation program. At first I was nervous like any freshman would be, but that quickly changed as I met individuals who could relate to me on a level I had never experienced before. I was able to be involved in so many groups from Flight Team, to Women in Aviation, to the Ninety-Nines, and AHP. My passion skyrocketed – I was able to network with pilots, ATC controllers, aviation professors, CFIs, and students. These people were so supportive in my goals to eventually become an airline pilot - they candidly told me of scholarships (such as this one), gave me tips, and encouraged me to call with any questions. Aviation is not a cheap field unfortunately, especially when it is combined with student expenses - which is another reason why the networking has allowed me to continue this field through opportunities such as this. Words can not express the thankfulness I feel for the rarity of this community. What started as a seemingly unobtainable dream to fly a plane has become a reality all made possible through support. So yes, I love the thrilling experience of flying an aircraft, and the self-confidence that comes from knowing you can fly a plane. However, that is not where my passion stems from. My passion is formed by the exceptional people who make up this community. I want to give my all to aviation because it has given everything to me.