Aviation has always been part of my life. My grandfather, uncles, and brother are all pilots or air traffic controllers, and their experiences introduced me to the industry at an early age. Inspired by their example, I am proud to be the first woman in my family to pursue a career as a pilot. In a field that remains largely male-dominated, I am motivated to show that there is a place for women in aviation and to inspire others to pursue their own goals. Over the past year, my passion for aviation has grown from an aspiration into real-world experience. I completed my first year at the University of Dubuque while pursuing a double major in Flight Operations and Aviation Management. Balancing rigorous coursework, collegiate athletics, and flight training has strengthened my discipline, time management, and commitment to achieving long-term goals. Over the past year, my passion for aviation has grown from an aspiration into real-world experience. I completed my first year at the University of Dubuque while pursuing a double major in Flight Operations and Aviation Management. Balancing rigorous coursework, collegiate athletics, and flight training has strengthened my discipline, time management, and commitment to achieving long-term goals. In addition to academics, I am a member of the University of Dubuque women’s soccer team. This past season, our team achieved a major milestone by winning our conference championship. Personally, I was honored to be named First Team All-Conference, a recognition that reflects my dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Being a collegiate athlete has also strengthened my leadership skills, teaching me how to communicate effectively, support my teammates and perform under pressure. These qualities are equally important in the cockpit and directly translate to aviation. The most significant milestone in my aviation journey this year was earning my private pilot license during my freshman year and logging more than 100 flight hours. Successfully completing my checkride was the result of countless hours of studying, flight training, and perseverance. This achievement transformed aviation from a dream into something tangible and reinforced my commitment to becoming a professional pilot. I am now working towards my instrument rating, continuing to strengthen my technical knowledge, decision-making abilities and proficiency in the cockpit. Flight training has also taught me resilience. Moments of frustration and self-doubt have become opportunities for growth, teaching me how to adapt, persevere, and make sound decisions in challenging situations. Beyond academics, athletics, and flight training, I remain committed to serving my community. I volunteer at youth soccer camps, helping younger athletes build confidence and develop their skills. I also volunteer at veteran events at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, including Carry the Load and Wreaths Across America. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to serve as a role model while staying connected to my community and making a positive impact. Through aviation, I have learned not only how to fly an aircraft, but also how to lead with discipline, resilience and integrity. Over the past year, I have strengthened my passion and made significant progress in my flight training. What once inspired me was my family’s legacy. What drives me now is the opportunity to build my own while serving as a leader for those who follow.

As a young woman with dreams of becoming a pilot, I have always been inspired by the aviation legacy in my family. My grandfather, a decorated F-4 fighter pilot who served in both the Air Force and the Air National Guard, has had the most profound impact on my journey. From him, I inherited not just a love for aviation but the belief that I too could someday take to the skies. His experiences, dedication, and passion for flying have been my guiding light as I pursue my goal of becoming a pilot. I come from a family with a long history of military service. In addition to my grandfather, I have three uncles and an aunt that have served, with two of my uncles still working as air traffic controllers. My brother is currently a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program at his college with hopes of becoming a pilot himself. Aviation has shaped our family’s identity and yet, despite the strong aviation legacy I am the first female in my family to pursue this path. While the aviation industry has made strides toward inclusivity, it remains predominantly male. Even in 2025, women make up just 6% of pilots and that disparity fuels my determination to break through and succeed. The courage I’ve received from my grandfather, along with the challenges he overcame in his career, remind me that every obstacle is surmountable with hard work and self belief. His story continues to motivate me as I work to break through gender barriers in aviation, making my journey not just a personal dream, but a historic shift for my family. My grandfather’s example resonates with me daily. As a fighter pilot, he taught me the importance of perseverance, bravery, and the value of breaking barriers. He is, without question, the strongest person I know and he carries his strength with quiet humility. Despite everything he’s been through, he never seeks attention or praise. His stories have instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude for the life I lead. I am able to pursue my dreams because of him, and countless others like him, who not only fought battles in the past but continue to face silent struggles due to the lasting effects of trauma. My grandfather inspired me to follow a career in aviation and I’m already taking steps towards that goal. I’ve begun the process of obtaining my private pilot license and have logged over 24 flight hours. The day of my first solo flight, my grandfather was there supporting me from the ground, a reminder that his influence is always with me. As I continue my ground school studies, he is there to explain concepts and offer guidance whenever needed. As I move forward in my aviation career, I aim to carry my grandfather’s legacy with me, not only by becoming a successful pilot, but also by inspiring young women to follow their passions and reach for the skies, just as my grandfather inspired me.