1. Can you share a specific experience or moment in your life that solidified your desire to become a pilot or work in the aviation industry? The moment I realized I wanted to become a pilot took place during a visit to an aviation museum, where I had the incredible opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet. As I gripped the controls and moved the stick, pretending to fly, I felt an instant connection to the aircraft. It was a thrilling experience, and I knew right then that flying was something I would love. That feeling was confirmed when I took off for the first time in a small plane. I was completely at ease, and as we soared through the sky, I experienced a profound sense of freedom and excitement. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue aviation for the rest of my life. Each flight I’ve taken since has only deepened my passion, reaffirming that this is the path I’m meant to follow. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to fly a variety of aircraft, each experience reinforcing my love for the field. I’ve also developed an appreciation for all aspects of aviation—whether it’s maintenance, flight preparation, or the meticulous attention to detail required for each flight. Additionally, working for a private jet management company has allowed me to immerse myself further in the aviation industry. The incredible opportunity to jumpseat on a flight gave me invaluable insight into the world of aviation, and being surrounded by professionals every day has only fueled my desire to become a pilot. These experiences, both in the air and on the ground, have solidified my passion for aviation and confirmed that it is the perfect fit for me. 2. Safety is paramount in aviation. How do you plan to prioritize and maintain safety in your flying practices? Safety is my top priority in aviation, and I plan to maintain this focus by always striving for the highest standards in every aspect of flying. I will never allow complacency to take hold, and I will consistently hold myself to rigorous personal minimums that ensure safe practices. Whether it's pre-flight planning, in-flight decision-making, or post-flight analysis, I will approach each task with a mindset of excellence. I take great pride in doing things to the best of my ability, and this mindset will directly contribute to my ability to stay safe in the cockpit. I recognize that aviation requires precision and careful attention to detail, and I will always approach my flying with a commitment to these principles. This includes adhering strictly to checklists, understanding the limits of both myself and the aircraft, and making safety a priority in every situation. I also believe in the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Aviation is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new safety protocols, technologies, and best practices is essential. I will never stop improving my knowledge and skills, whether through formal training, studying current industry practices, or learning from experienced mentors in the field. I have been fortunate to learn from friends who have had careers in aviation, and I make a point of listening to their experiences to understand what mistakes to avoid and how to handle challenging situations safely. By maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement, staying committed to safety protocols, and learning from others, I am confident that I can contribute to a safe and responsible flying environment throughout my aviation career. 3. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in your pursuit of aviation. How did you overcome it? A significant challenge I faced in my pursuit of aviation was the inability to afford flight training. To overcome this obstacle, I took a proactive approach by building relationships with pilots at my local airport. I spent time flying with them, learning from their experiences, and gaining practical insight before I was able to start logging official flight time. This informal flying experience allowed me to gain valuable skills and confidence, giving me a head start when I eventually began lessons. Additionally, I made a conscious effort to save money wherever I could. I dedicated my free time to reading about aviation, studying various topics, and learning as much as I could to maximize the value of every flight lesson. By immersing myself in aviation knowledge, I was able to optimize my training and reduce the amount of time needed to get up to speed during actual lessons. My financial struggles have been an ongoing challenge, but I’ve taken it in stride. I currently work for a private jet management company, which helps me finance my flight training and make steady progress toward my goal. Paying for my training as I go has taught me to be incredibly disciplined with my resources and has fueled my determination to continue working toward my dream, no matter how difficult the journey may be. 4. What personal qualities or skills do you possess that you believe will contribute to your success in aviation? I believe my success in aviation will be driven by my strong work ethic, determination, and commitment to continuous improvement. I am extremely motivated and dedicated to putting in the effort necessary to excel, and I take pride in my ability to approach challenges head-on. In aviation, where attention to detail and perseverance are crucial, I am committed to working my way up, even when things get tough, and I view each step as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, I have a natural ability to connect with people across all levels of aviation, which has allowed me to build a strong support network and gain valuable insights from mentors and fellow pilots. These relationships are vital in aviation, helping me learn faster, find opportunities, and navigate challenges with guidance from those who have been through the same journey. I also learn quickly and remain persistent, even when faced with concepts or skills that take time to master. This willingness to continually improve will help me face the complexities of aviation and ensure that I am always advancing as a pilot. These qualities- my determination, ability to build connections, and drive for growth, are key factors that will contribute to my success in aviation. Above all, my great passion for aviation fuels my commitment to pushing forward and achieving my goals, no matter the obstacles. 5. How do you plan to engage with, mentor, and support other aspiring aviators in your community, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds? I am passionate about helping young people discover their love for aviation, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through my involvement with my local EAA chapter, I volunteer at Young Eagles events where I inspire kids to start flying. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach an introductory ground school at Girls in Aviation Day, and I help direct planes on the ground during other Young Eagles events. I’ve personally introduced many young people to aviation by bringing them to my local EAA chapter, where they have the chance to meet pilots and experience flying firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how many have fallen in love with aviation. I take particular pride in promoting aviation to women, as I know how powerful it can be to see someone like you succeed in a field where we are underrepresented. Many of the people I’ve mentored have been women, which I find very exciting and encouraging for the future of aviation. In addition to these efforts, I am committed to making aviation more inclusive and accessible, particularly for those who may not have the financial resources to break into the industry. I understand the challenges of entering such an expensive field and am always eager to offer advice, answer questions, and connect others with pilots and mentors who can help guide them. I actively encourage people to get involved and share opportunities wherever I go. My goal is to fly as many people as possible, introducing them to the joys of aviation and showing them that it's a field where they can thrive. 6. Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship, and how will it help you achieve your aviation goals? I believe I am a strong candidate for the Hannah Dollick Memorial Scholarship because I am a passionate and self-motivated woman in aviation, determined to pursue my dreams of becoming a skilled pilot and promoting the love of flying. Much like Hannah, I have a deep appreciation for exploring the world from the skies, and I share her enthusiasm for inspiring others to pursue aviation, particularly women. As someone who is dedicated to my training but struggles to afford the costs of flight school, this scholarship would be an invaluable resource in helping me continue my journey. It would provide the financial support I need to further my education and achieve my goal of becoming a professional pilot. In addition to my dedication to flight training, I have been actively involved in promoting aviation within my community, encouraging others—especially young women—to explore the endless opportunities that aviation offers. I volunteer at local aviation events, mentor aspiring pilots, and strive to be an example of what is possible for women in a field where we are still underrepresented. Like Hannah, I aim to make an impact by helping others on their aviation journey, sharing my experiences and offering guidance whenever I can. Receiving this scholarship would not only honor Hannah’s legacy but also fuel my ambition to continue pursuing my aviation career, overcome financial barriers, and ultimately inspire the next generation of pilots. 9. Can you discuss the importance of general aviation in Alaska, particularly in rural and remote areas? General aviation is vital to Alaska, particularly in rural and remote areas, where the vast and rugged landscape makes traditional transportation nearly impossible. For many Alaskan communities, aviation is the lifeline that connects them to the outside world. It provides essential services, such as transporting goods, medical supplies, and people, to areas that would otherwise be isolated. Without general aviation, these communities would struggle to access basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education. In Alaska’s remote regions, where roads are often limited or nonexistent, planes are indispensable for everyday life. Whether it's flying in emergency medical personnel, delivering freight, or enabling individuals to travel between villages, aviation plays an irreplaceable role. Many people who live in these areas view planes not just as a means of transportation but as a vital part of their community's survival. It allows them to stay connected to the larger world while living in some of the most breathtaking—but also challenging—environments. Without general aviation, life in these remote communities would be profoundly different. It’s hard to imagine how people would maintain their way of life without the planes that help support them in every aspect of daily living. Aviation is truly the backbone that helps keep these communities thriving and ensures that they remain accessible, no matter how vast or difficult the landscape may be.

From the moment I first soared through the sky in a small plane, I was captivated by the experience. The sensation of flying was exhilarating and immediate, igniting a passion for aviation that has only grown stronger since that day. Since then, I have dedicated myself to pursuing a career in this field, immersing myself in every aspect of aviation I could access. I began my journey in aviation in January 2024. My initial step was to visit the local air museum, where I sought out connections within the aviation community. Through this network, I was introduced to a pilot who became a mentor and opened doors to further opportunities. This connection allowed me to spend months flying with friends before formally beginning my flight training. These early experiences were instrumental in solidifying my commitment to aviation. To gain professional experience, I reached out to a private jet management company at my local airport, expressing my interest in any available positions. I was fortunate to be hired, and this role has provided me with valuable exposure to some of the most advanced private jets in the industry. In my current position, I perform a variety of tasks including moving jets with tugs, detailing their interiors and exteriors, and assisting pilots and mechanics. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in deepening my understanding of the aviation industry and its operations. As a student pilot, I am currently working towards obtaining my Private Pilot license. Following that, my next goal is to achieve an instrument rating, which will enhance my ability to fly in a wider range of conditions. I plan to accumulate around 250 hours of flying time before pursuing my Commercial Pilot license. Ultimately, my ambition is to attain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. Between earning my Commercial and ATP licenses, I intend to build flight hours through various smaller pilot positions, gaining diverse experiences that will prepare me for flying larger jets. My ultimate career goal is to fly private jets professionally. My current job aligns directly with this goal, providing relevant experience and insight into the private aviation sector. I am particularly motivated by the need for greater female representation in aviation, as women make up less than ten percent of pilots. By pursuing this career, I hope to inspire more women to consider aviation as a profession and to demonstrate that it is a field where anyone can thrive. In addition to inspiring others, I look forward to the opportunity to share my passion for aviation with passengers and colleagues. I hope to help others discover the joy of flying, just as I did, and to contribute to the positive and inclusive evolution of the aviation industry. Through my career, I aim to make a meaningful impact by promoting diversity and fostering a love for aviation among a broader audience.