Growing up with a mother who was an elementary general music teacher, I've had a vast amount of exposure to and involvement with music. While in elementary school, I was part of a select honors choir. Although choral singing was a great experience, I found more joy in playing an instrument. I wanted to join the school band. Being financially savvy was a way of life growing up in a home with a public school teacher, so when I wanted to join the school band, I would have to choose a school-provided instrument with a nominal rental fee. My instrument of choice was the French horn. Being only one of the two students in the band who played horn, it was essential for me to practice and become comfortable with performing solos. Our middle school Jazz band needed a bass player, and since my instrument wasn't a Jazz instrument, I was a good fit for learning a new instrument to be a part of the ensemble. I continued playing the French horn and bass guitar as I entered high school. Eventually, I bought an electric guitar and have been teaching myself both electric, bass, and classical guitar. High school band provided various opportunities to grow as an individual and a musician. I developed lasting friendships in the Jazz, pep, and marching bands. Solo and ensemble improved my ease in public speaking as I had to introduce the music I was performing and communicate with the judge in a room full of spectators. Additionally, performing both solos and in ensembles forced me to perform challenging music, develop persistence, and grow musically. I gained confidence from these experiences and volunteered my musical talents to perform at church for special services and traditional Sunday service. In addition to playing my French horn and guitar at church, I also joined the adult church choir. Being involved in the church music ministry makes me feel closer to my church family. At home, playing the guitar has become an important hobby for me. I enjoy performing in the classic rock and old country genres. Playing guitar allows me to clear my head and escape the pressures of everyday life. Aside from playing the three guitars, I enjoy listening to a variety of genres of music at work and while doing homework to help me stay focused and pass the time. Growing up around musical parents and extended family members has helped me understand how performing and enjoying music can positively affect one's life.

I have had many experiences that have helped influence my decision to make a living out of flying. My first experience was the first flight I took in seventh grade. At the EAA museum in Oshkosh, a pilot approached my family, asking if my brothers and I were interested in flying. Thankfully, I said yes because when I was in the airplane, and we took off, something inside of me was ignited, and I knew I had found something that would alter the course of my life. I joined the West Bend EAA Chapter and began volunteering for various Chapter events, including air camp, breakfast with Santa, and Young Eagles Rallies. Entering my Junior year in high school, I started flight training in September 2023. Every student getting their pilot's license must do a minimum of three solo flights and a couple of solo cross-countries before getting their license. My first solo flight was on November 17, 2023. I was doing takeoffs and landings with my instructor close to sunset when he told me to take the airplane back to the hangar. He got out of the aircraft and told me to do a couple of laps in the pattern, and he said he was going to be on the radio if I needed anything. I was a little scared to complete my first takeoff as it was my first time flying without my instructor, Glenn, but as I came around to land, I smoothly touched down, and my confidence surged. I took off again, and this time, I enjoyed being alone. I knew then that I would be a pilot and that this would be the start of my career. Fast forward to July, and I was preparing to take my check ride to get my license. The clouds were at 1300 feet, and I needed them to be at 1500 to take off. I sat in Glenn's office and talked to him and another flight instructor, Kyle. I was both nervous and excited. I knew I could fly the airplane because I had been practicing my maneuvers almost daily, but I was nervous that the examiner would find one little thing wrong and not give me my license. Eventually, the clouds rose to 1500 feet, and I could take to the skies. I met with the examiner, and we did the flight. I performed all my maneuvers flawlessly, and all my landings were smooth and gentle. I remember taxiing back to the hangar, and the examiner asked me how it felt to be an official pilot. I gave him a simple answer because I was shocked that I had passed. I just completed one of the first significant milestones in my career. I will begin my studies at the University of Minnesota, Mankato's flight program, in the fall of 2025. My plans to instruct will help me build time and solidify my skills as a pilot. After I have built up enough hours, I want to move out to Alaska and fly floatplanes. Flying floatplanes in Alaska is deeply rooted in civil service. The Alaskan people rely on floatplanes for mail, fuel, supplies, food, and medical transport, to name a few. Floatplanes and bush pilots often rally together in Search and Rescue operations because of their versatility in the back country. Due to the demanding climate and landscapes, SR operations can be frequent in Alaska. I want to fly in Alaska not only because of the flying but also because of the beautiful nature. I am fascinated with the untouched, rugged, unforgiving landscape.

I have had many experiences that have helped influence my decision to make a living out of flying. My first experience was the first flight I took in seventh grade. At the EAA museum in Oshkosh, a pilot approached my family, asking if my brothers and I were interested in flying. Thankfully, I said yes because when I was in the airplane, and we took off, something inside of me was ignited, and I knew I had found something that would alter the course of my life. I joined the West Bend EAA Chapter and began volunteering for various Chapter events, including air camp, breakfast with Santa, and Young Eagles Rallies. Entering my Junior year in high school, I started flight training in September 2023. Every student getting their pilot's license must do a minimum of three solo flights and a couple of solo cross-countries before getting their license. My first solo flight was on November 17, 2023. I was doing takeoffs and landings with my instructor close to sunset when he told me to take the airplane back to the hangar. He got out of the aircraft and told me to do a couple of laps in the pattern, and he said he was going to be on the radio if I needed anything. I was a little scared to complete my first takeoff as it was my first time flying without my instructor, Glenn, but as I came around to land, I smoothly touched down, and my confidence surged. I took off again, and this time, I enjoyed being alone. I knew then that I would be a pilot and that this would be the start of my career. Fast forward to July, and I was preparing to take my check ride to get my license. The clouds were at 1300 feet, and I needed them to be at 1500 to take off. I sat in Glenn's office and talked to him and another flight instructor, Kyle. I was both nervous and excited. I knew I could fly the airplane because I had been practicing my maneuvers almost daily, but I was nervous that the examiner would find one little thing wrong and not give me my license. Eventually, the clouds rose to 1500 feet, and I could take to the skies. I met with the examiner, and we did the flight. I performed all my maneuvers flawlessly, and all my landings were smooth and gentle. I remember taxiing back to the hangar, and the examiner asked me how it felt to be an official pilot. I gave him a simple answer because I was shocked that I had passed. I just completed one of the first significant milestones in my career. I will begin my studies at the University of Minnesota, Mankato's flight program, in the fall of 2025. My plans to instruct will help me build time and solidify my skills as a pilot. After I have built up enough hours, I want to move out to Alaska and fly floatplanes. Flying floatplanes in Alaska is deeply rooted in civil service. The Alaskan people rely on floatplanes for mail, fuel, supplies, food, and medical transport, to name a few. Floatplanes and bush pilots often rally together in Search and Rescue operations because of their versatility in the back country. Due to the demanding climate and landscapes, SR operations can be frequent in Alaska. I want to fly in Alaska not only because of the flying but also because of the beautiful nature. I am fascinated with the untouched, rugged, unforgiving landscape.

I have had many experiences that have helped influence my decision to make a living out of flying. My first experience was the first flight I took in seventh grade. At the EAA museum in Oshkosh, a pilot approached my family, asking if my brothers and I were interested in flying. Thankfully, I said yes because when I was in the airplane, and we took off, something inside of me was ignited, and I knew I had found something that would alter the course of my life. I joined the West Bend EAA Chapter and began volunteering for various Chapter events, including air camp, breakfast with Santa, and Young Eagles Rallies. Entering my Junior year in high school, I started flight training in September 2023. Every student getting their pilot's license must do a minimum of three solo flights and a couple of solo cross-countries before getting their license. My first solo flight was on November 17, 2023. I was doing takeoffs and landings with my instructor close to sunset when he told me to take the airplane back to the hangar. He got out of the aircraft and told me to do a couple of laps in the pattern, and he said he was going to be on the radio if I needed anything. I was a little scared to complete my first takeoff as it was my first time flying without my instructor, Glenn, but as I came around to land, I smoothly touched down, and my confidence surged. I took off again, and this time, I enjoyed being alone. I knew then that I would be a pilot and that this would be the start of my career. Fast forward to July, and I was preparing to take my check ride to get my license. The clouds were at 1300 feet, and I needed them to be at 1500 to take off. I sat in Glenn's office and talked to him and another flight instructor, Kyle. I was both nervous and excited. I knew I could fly the airplane because I had been practicing my maneuvers almost daily, but I was nervous that the examiner would find one little thing wrong and not give me my license. Eventually, the clouds rose to 1500 feet, and I could take to the skies. I met with the examiner, and we did the flight. I performed all my maneuvers flawlessly, and all my landings were smooth and gentle. I remember taxiing back to the hangar, and the examiner asked me how it felt to be an official pilot. I gave him a simple answer because I was shocked that I had passed. I just completed one of the first significant milestones in my career. I will begin my studies at the University of Minnesota, Mankato's flight program, in the fall of 2025. My plans to instruct will help me build time and solidify my skills as a pilot. After I have built up enough hours, I want to move out to Alaska and fly floatplanes. Flying floatplanes in Alaska is deeply rooted in civil service. The Alaskan people rely on floatplanes for mail, fuel, supplies, food, and medical transport, to name a few. Floatplanes and bush pilots often rally together in Search and Rescue operations because of their versatility in the backcountry. Due to the demanding climate and landscapes, SR operations can be frequent in Alaska. I want to fly in Alaska not only because of the flying but also because of the beautiful nature. I am fascinated with the untouched, rugged, unforgiving landscape.

I have had many experiences that have helped influence my decision to make a living out of flying. My first experience was the first flight I took in seventh grade. At the EAA museum in Oshkosh, a pilot approached my family, asking if my brothers and I were interested in flying. Thankfully, I said yes because when I was in the airplane, and we took off, something inside of me was ignited, and I knew I had found something that would alter the course of my life. I joined the West Bend EAA Chapter and began volunteering for various Chapter events, including air camp, breakfast with Santa, and Young Eagles Rallies. Entering my Junior year in high school, I started flight training in September 2023. Every student getting their pilot's license must do a minimum of three solo flights and a couple of solo cross-countries before getting their license. My first solo flight was on November 17, 2023. I was doing takeoffs and landings with my instructor close to sunset when he told me to take the airplane back to the hangar. He got out of the aircraft and told me to do a couple of laps in the pattern, and he said he was going to be on the radio if I needed anything. I was a little scared to complete my first takeoff as it was my first time flying without my instructor, Glenn, but as I came around to land, I smoothly touched down, and my confidence surged. I took off again, and this time, I enjoyed being alone. I knew then that I would be a pilot and that this would be the start of my career. Fast forward to July, and I was preparing to take my check ride to get my license. The clouds were at 1300 feet, and I needed them to be at 1500 to take off. I sat in Glenn's office and talked to him and another flight instructor, Kyle. I was both nervous and excited. I knew I could fly the airplane because I had been practicing my maneuvers almost daily, but I was nervous that the examiner would find one little thing wrong and not give me my license. Eventually, the clouds rose to 1500 feet, and I could take to the skies. I met with the examiner, and we did the flight. I performed all my maneuvers flawlessly, and all my landings were smooth and gentle. I remember taxiing back to the hangar, and the examiner asked me how it felt to be an official pilot. I gave him a simple answer because I was shocked that I had passed. I just completed one of the first significant milestones in my career. I will begin my studies at the University of Minnesota, Mankato's flight program, in the fall of 2025. My plans to instruct will help me build time and solidify my skills as a pilot. After I have built up enough hours, I want to move out to Alaska and fly floatplanes. Flying floatplanes in Alaska is deeply rooted in civil service. The Alaskan people rely on floatplanes for mail, fuel, supplies, food, and medical transport, to name a few. Floatplanes and bush pilots often rally together in Search and Rescue operations because of their versatility in the back country. Due to the demanding climate and landscapes, SR operations can be frequent in Alaska. I want to fly in Alaska not only because of the flying but also because of the beautiful nature. I am fascinated with the untouched, rugged, unforgiving landscape.

Growing up with both parents involved in the arts gives you many interesting learning opportunities and experiences. My father, an artist, and my mother, an elementary music teacher, have had to make career adjustments to support our family. My parents did this because they wanted to give my two younger brothers and me more opportunities in life. Because Dad's income was unpredictable, he stayed home with my younger brothers and me until we were all old enough to attend elementary school. My mom had a reliable income with insurance when she was an elementary general music teacher, so she supported our family of five. Frugality and creativity were strengths my parents imposed on our family to keep our family financially afloat. Growing up, our parents wanted us to be happy, but they can only do so much. When my parents found out that I wanted to fly, they were thrilled, but they also told me that due to their financial situation, I would not be getting any college support from them. Knowing I will pay for my college education motivates me to push myself. I have already taken steps to pursue an aviation career. In my junior year of high school, I pursued getting my pilot's license. On July 11, 2024, I completed my primary training and became a certificated pilot. Since then, I have pursued getting my Complex Endorsement, which I just completed in November. I have also picked up a job as a Line Technician at my home airport in West Bend. This job allows me to see many different aircraft and experience a different side of aviation that some pilots do not experience. After college, I will move to Alaska and fly floatplanes. The Alaskan wilderness is one of the most challenging places to fly.