“Just go to mechanic school already!". That’s what the mechanics had yelled at me one day as I was checking the pressure release valve of an A320 at work. I turned back laughing at the thought of me going back to school. But then I had got to thinking, what’s really stopping me from making this my career? As a ramp agent, I loved working with airplanes and being outside. Before I knew it I was researching the schools in my area and taking tours. Part of me felt so anxious about starting school again, as I disliked the thought of sitting in a classroom and taking tests. But the benefits of completing school would be so worthwhile. As a woman in the aviation industry, I am always seen as the odd one out. But it is a stereotype that we are slowly breaking. Seeing a female captain, mechanic and even ramp agent inspires me to keep pushing forward. I hope one day girls will look at this field and their first thought isn't “That's a man's job” but “I can do that!”. The world needs more women in blue collared jobs. To keep breaking the stereotypes and pushing the societal norm is our collective goal. That is the impact I plan to create. Had I not moved near the airport 10 years ago maybe my career choice would have been different. I would not hear the sound of engines outside my window everyday. I would not have ducked my head when a plane flew a little too low. I would have never enjoyed watching the planes landing during the sunset. My mom would have never asked me to work at the airport. Even though it was a joke, it stuck with me. Why, though? Because working for an airline would give my mother an opportunity to see her family again. I knew there and then that I would work in the airline industry eventually. I had no clue how I would get there, I just knew that I would. My journeys have never been a straight line, but I learned from my parents that life is never what you expect it to be. What matters is what you are willing to do to still get there. That is why I do this for them. They gave me everything I needed despite their circumstances. So why not give back the very people who believed in me? Who supported my ever-changing career choices, my seventy million hobbies and occasional side hustles. The same people who saw my passion for aviation and knew, even before I did, that this was the career for me. They are the fuel for my passion and the reason I still keep reaching for the sky.

As a Filipino and Puerto Rican daughter, it has impacted my path by instilling in me strong work ethics, familial values, and flexibility. But with that has brought cases of prejudice and bias. I was born to a Filipino mother and a Puerto Rican father. Both had started working at a young age to better themselves and their family. My mother worked in another country to provide for her family back home. My father joined the military at 17. They both left home at a very young age, which is common within these cultures. Life has never been a straight path for them or myself. But we always make it to our destination. My identity has always made me stand out in a classroom. Not only for being one of the few minorities but also because I excelled in my classes. However I never liked being seen, I was very shy and would rather blend in. This caused me to be self-conscious and insecure, and even be subject to bullying. My anxiety could not even allow me to walk through a room of kids or eat in a crowded cafeteria. I absolutely hated that feeling, as if my heart was going to beat out of my chest. As if a million eyes watched my every move when I stepped out. It was not until I started working my first couple of jobs that I gained the confidence to start talking to people and standing up for myself. My tolerance for disrespect deteriorated quickly, causing me to speak my mind more frequently. But with that came a quick temper that I had to learn to control. There is absolutely nothing wrong with speaking up, but learning when to speak and control your tone is much more effective. Many would say that my fiery temper comes from my Puerto Rican heritage. Puerto Ricans are a proud and confident culture, with strong family ties and fighting spirit. My Filipina heritage on the other hand has made me very hospitable and kind. Sometimes to the point of being a pushover or people pleaser. But as I grew I came to love these qualities as there is a balance between them. Overtime I came to realize kindness is not a weakness, and self-advocacy is not to be confused for anger. These qualities have made me the hard-working, loyal, and kind person I am today. And they will continue to help me grow into the successful person I know I will become.

My name is Cecilia Roche and I currently work as a ramp agent in the Baltimore Washington International Airport. I did not initially see myself working this career, as I thought I was destined to work a computer job as most people are doing. I did however know I wanted to work at the airport. How do I get in though? Not quite sure about that yet. Since I had lived near the airport, I was always intrigued by the planes flying overhead. The private ones flew especially low as if you could touch the belly of the plane. We were amidst a pandemic and I tutored math online. I dreaded it as I wanted to be outside instead of stuck in the house. At this point, I just wanted a way out, looking for any other job. Finally, there was an opening at the airport. What for though? Not for the technology department or customer service as I had hoped for. But for the ramp. I read the job description realizing this was not going to be a job for the weak. Happily I applied and a couple months later I was in training. The cold air nipped at my cheeks as I started in January. I found out quick that this was not just moving baggage. Working the ramp was marshalling aircrafts in, servicing them and driving all kinds of heavy equipment. The bags I lifted were twice my size, and I had to wing walk aircrafts that made me look like an ant. I was completely exhausted! But I had been the happiest I been on a job. I came home with so many stories to my family from the crazy snow storms to the unique cargo we had to load. My camera roll began to fill up with pictures of every new plane I encountered. I could not believe how much fun I could have at a job. I was so curious about everything and learned all the ropes quickly. I began to move up from loadmaster to lead and eventually supervisor. All within three years. I was the youngest supervisor on my team and one of the only females. As a leader, I did not just bark orders to my team. I firmly believe a good leader works along side with their team and that is what I did. If we needed another person to stack inside the bin, I was there. If the lavatory needed to be serviced and we were stretched thin, I would knock that out. No task was beneath me. My agents would come to me about issues such as working conditions, training and even rewards. I did my best to sit down and listen to any problems they had, re-teach any procedures to them and treat them when I could. I enjoyed buying my team smoothies and ice cream on especially hot days. And as the schedule maker for below the wing, they contacted myself for days off. I always accommodated their needs and their coworkers were always willing to switch. My passion for aviation was sparked, and before I knew it I was applying for the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to become an Aircraft Mechanic. I exemplify leadership qualities as I have humility, communication skills and flexibility. I am proud to have worked with such a great team, even though we have split ways to other airlines. But don't worry, you'll always see us waving to each other from the other gates!

Slaying the Ender Dragon, discovering diamonds, or exploring the ends of the earth. That is what most players may answer. What many forget is that Minecraft is a game of creativity. It gives you the tools and resources to create what many would call unimaginable. But that is where the fun is. Minecraft gives you the ability to bring your imagination to life. That is why my favorite aspect of the game, is just building with my friends. You may think how boring or anti-climatic that is. But to me, nothing is more fun than bringing your ideas to life with your friends. No one person is the same, no one idea is the same. So when my friends and I decide to create a world, the ideas are endless. From vast skyscrapers to breathtaking tree houses, the village we build is like no other. There is no fun in formality or consistency. Why make every house in the same color scheme and size? My friends build houses or scenes I would have never even thought of trying to recreate. The potential is endless. Minecraft has not only brought people of all age's imaginations to life but also brought ideas to others. It has inspired those to create and rebuild. It allows people to quite literally as you can in the game 'fly'. So the next time you play, let the ideas flow and do not let anyone limit your imagination.

Though it may not be my all-time favorite, my fall-inspired drink from Starbucks that holds a special place in my heart is an iced chai latte with a sweet cream pumpkin cold foam. As autumn sweeps the air, so does the presence of pumpkin and spices. The first time I ordered this had been with friends at the beginning of fall. We all decided to try something new as the menu had new items. With the first sip, I was smitten. I knew it was going to be a favorite as I had always been drawn to unconventional coffee orders. The contrast of the icy drink with the warm spices was so inviting along with the sweetness of the pumpkin cream cold foam. It was the perfect balance as it was not too sweet from the cold foam but not too strong from the coffee. You may wonder: Why not have the whole drink pumpkin flavored? But that is where you are wrong. Having the sweet cream trickle subtly into the chai allows you to experience each flavor, not one overpowers the other. It is a warm inviting drink that all ages can enjoy, as chai has many benefits. Chai is created with spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves which are anti-inflammatory. It also promotes mental focus and relaxation. So all in all this drink is meant to welcome you into the cozy season of fall. The time of crisp leaves, warm sweaters, and chilly air. The time to sit on a park bench watching the leaves cascade from the trees. When I sip this drink, it brings me back to a time of togetherness. Of laughter and peace with my friends. We completed yet another summer and were on our way to the next school grade. For some people change is frightening. But the transition from summer to fall is a change that is welcomed. Fall brings new opportunities and friends. Most of all it signifies the survival of another year. It signifies that you have made it through the snow storms, the rain clouds, and the summer heat. This drink represents a welcomed change, the transition between summer and fall. It invites you to get together with friends, enjoy the crisp air, and enjoy the flavors of fall. Whether you choose to get a pumpkin spice latte, an apple pie macchiato, or even my personal fall favorite: an iced chai latte with pumpkin cream cold foam, embrace the change and 'fall' into the new season.

The anime series which I can watch over and over again is Haikyuu. This show had touched me so much, I ended up training and trying out for my own volleyball team. I did not make the cut but the experience itself was a great lesson. From the facial expressions and comedic scenes, to the visuals and heartfelt dialogue, this series has always warmed my heart. It is based on the character Hinata Shoyo, who is following in the footsteps of his idol. Following his adventures through high school as he trains with an underdog team and his rival. What touches my heart is Hinata's passion despite his setbacks. He is shorter than most, not the brightest in school, and can tend to overstep his boundaries. Nonetheless, he trains incredibly hard for volleyball, becoming one of the top players in the nation. His passion for the sport and his friends had made me emotional in many episodes. I love seeing how one can persevere so much for something they love. It inspires me to strive in my passions and to never give up on my dreams. Just like Hinata, I have many factors against me. But I will keep pushing till I succeed, and in other words, fly.

I did not initially choose aviation. But I believe it had chose me. My original thought process was just to go to school in Computer Information Systems like everyone else and be destined for a job behind a computer. That was until I started working part time at the Baltimore Washington International airport. Working in the elements, lifting large bags, and operating heavy machinery was exhausting. It was so much more fun than staring at a screen all day! I began to fall in love with different airplanes and becoming so interested in how they work and how the airline industry works. Soon enough I had dropped out of my Computer Information Systems classes and began searching for aircraft maintenance schools. I am proud to say I will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in the fall. This will allow me to learn the processes of an aircraft to not only repair a plane but build one as well. My aspiration to become an aircraft mechanic will create an impact by inspiring more women to enter the aviation field. The field is understaffed, we need not only more mechanics but pilots and ramp agents! Hopefully seeing me on the ramp will push not only girls to think about their career choice but for women as well. It is never too late to change your path. Having more women on the ramp will bring a positive impact on the aviation field. They can use our keen eyes and attention to detail. It will bring more diversity into the field by breaking the norms. I believe adding more women into the work force will help lower the number of aircraft incidents not just because they are women. But because the industry is understaffed. Having the number of bodies needed or people with skills will allow the job to done thoroughly and safely. Personally I would not want my loved ones or myself getting on a plane that was not properly inspected before takeoff. So what greater positive impact than the safety of our loved ones. A personal goal that will help me achieve my professional passion is not only the desire to provide for my family, but to keep them safe. As the child of a Filipina immigrant mother and Puerto Rican father, they had brought me here in order to have a better life than they did. They have supported me through all my hobbies and interest in order that I may find my own passion. In return I want only to take care of them and give them the life they deserve. As the next generation of aircraft mechanics I would also like to make sure they fly the safest way possible. The many incidents in the news had brought me worry, as I am sure many other families have as well. I pledge to uphold the safety standards to the highest degree, conduct safety inspections thoroughly and overall make aviation a safer place.

I plan on making a positive impact on the world by standing out. By standing out, I mean breaking the norms of the blue collared industry. As a female pursuing my Airframe and Powerplant License in a male dominated field, some would say the odds are against me. But the odds are never zero. Being in the aviation field you may be one of the few women there, if not only one. Nonetheless this does not make us any less skilled or right for the job. That is the case for me, one of the very few female ramp agents in my station at the Baltimore Washington International airport. It can be a very difficult environment, being out in the elements, lifting heavy baggage, and even facing the subtle discrimination among peers. But we have come far as a society and I am proud to say I have a very supportive station crew who treat me as an equal. With that ambition I plan to keep pursuing my interest in aviation and pave the way for more women to join. Not only could we use more aircraft mechanics but pilots and even ramp agents! With that being said more women are needed in the industry as I believe they need our keen eyes, attention to detail, and drive to uphold safety standards. This brings a positive impact on the world as the aviation field can be dangerous. To ruining your back from heavy luggage, to an engine failure during takeoff. The field is understaffed, therefore resulting in rushed work. I would want to make sure my loved ones and myself are flying the safest way possible, would you not agree? In order for that to happen the airline must conduct safety inspections to the highest degree and properly staff all lines of work as to avoid being rash. As part of the next generation of aircraft mechanics I would make sure that all safety inspections are conducted and thorough. Even if it means catching a delay. I would rather a plane land 30 min late than to not land at all. I hope as well that seeing me outside working on a plane would not only inspire little girls but even women to aim for jobs in the blue collared field. It is never to late to learn something new, or to want to make a change. My positive impact on the world will aspire women to strive for more and to make aviation a safer place.

My name is Cecilia Roche and I am of Filipino and Puerto Rican descent. My parents had come here to raise me and give me a better life. I was originally in information technology as my chosen career, but I was never passionate about it. At the beginning of 2021, I started to work part-time as a ramp agent at Baltimore Washington International. I had done this all while going to school. I became very passionate about airplanes and enjoyed working outside in the elements. I grew very fast in the ranks, despite being the only female on the ramp half of the time. There I realized that I do not enjoy my schooling and would rather just work. After I had dropped out of college, I worked full-time. The mechanics I worked with encouraged me to apply to schools since I was so interested. I began looking for schools and taking tours of the institutions within the state. I am proud to say that this fall I will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Avionics. This trade school will teach me the necessary skills to obtain my aircraft and powerplant license. My motivation to pursue a career in the trades is due to my passion for aircraft, my drive to provide for my family, and my desire to break the stigma that women cannot work blue-collar jobs. My family has always been very supportive in my career choices despite the changes it has gone through. So I am happy to be one of our future providers as they have been a blessing throughout this journey. Since I was younger I have always been fascinated with traveling, as you can find globes and maps in my bedroom. So it is only natural that I was drawn to the airport and airplanes. Lastly, aircraft mechanics are high in demand. It requires attention to detail and a safety concern. Not everyone should be cut out for this job, as it can result in deadly consequences. Which is why I believe we need more women in this workforce. Not only will it inspire more girls to reach for these kinds of positions, but it will also make other women feel more comfortable in the workforce. Understandably trades and blue-collar jobs are not the norm for women. But I hope that the future women in aviation and I will change that stigma as we are the next generation of blue-collared workers.

I am passionate about pursuing my certification in Aircraft Maintenance due to my love for aviation, joy in working with the outside elements, and the strive to provide for my family. I would also like to pave the way for more women in aviation to break the stigma that we do not belong in blue-collar jobs. My love of aviation stems from my desire to travel the world. You will find maps, globes, and airplane fixtures across my room. I had always been fascinated with airplanes and working with my hands. It only grew deeper as I began to work for Baltimore Washington International Airport. From a mere CRJ to the queen of the sky, a 747, I have enjoyed working with all kinds of aircraft. My original major while I worked part-time was Computer Information Systems. I was unhappy as I had no passion for it. Sitting at a desk staring at a computer was not in the books for me. I then went on to grow from a simple ramp agent to a ramp supervisor. I learned so much about this industry and knew this had to be the career for me. Before I knew it, I had dropped out of college and began taking my career in aviation more seriously. On top of becoming a supervisor, I became a pushback trainer, a jetway bridge trainer, and a grounds security coordinator. Others around me had noticed this passion, and suggested I attend Aircraft Maintenance School. I am proud to say I was accepted into the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and will be attending this fall. Although this career is high in demand, it is male-dominated. As this can present an obstacle, it does not make it impossible. I am driven by the desire to break the stigma that women should not be working blue-collar jobs. We are just as capable if not sometimes better. The industry needs more detailed eyes, as seen with recent news. With each step I take, I get closer to creating a more diverse environment in the aviation field. My parents came here to give me a better life, and I will use that opportunity to do so. Coming from a Filipino and Puerto Rican household, I had been brought up to work diligently and not be afraid to get my hands dirty. I hope that I inspire other girls to pursue a career in aviation as not only are we the future, but the present as well.