I have always been interested in aviation. As a little girl, my grandparents would take me, my siblings, and my cousins to airshows where we would get to watch spectacular demonstrations of pilots doing crazy stunts and exhibits. This always made for an exciting weekend, and we would talk about it nonstop. Outside of airshows, I would (and still do) read books about different aviation pioneers and the advancement of flight. These books provided the history of flight, the newest technology of yesterday and today, the struggles of getting into the field, and the fulfillment of dreams. This greatly fueled my love for aviation. Now that I am a pilot myself, having completed my PPL and Instrument rating, aviation means so much more. To me, aviation means fulfilling your dreams, seeing the beauty of creation, embracing a fantastic community of people, and teaching those next in line. It is a feeling that I want to embrace and teach to the next generation. In 2022, I started my aviation career at a local flight school. I worked with two instructors at this flight school to earn my Private Pilot’s license and Instrument rating. Since earning my Instrument rating, I have been building hours toward my commercial license. Throughout all of my training, I prioritize safety by being aware of my surroundings on the ground and in the air, maintaining contact with ATC, staying focused on the task at hand, and staying one step ahead of the airplane. Safety is paramount to being a pilot and safely getting the plane and passengers from point A to point B. Alongside becoming a pilot and working to earn my licenses, I am enrolled in an aviation maintenance program, where I aim to earn my A&P (mechanic/maintenance technician) license. This program will assist me in learning more about the planes I fly: what they are made of, how they operate, and how to fix certain issues. In getting my A&P license, I will also have more job opportunities and will eventually be able to work on my own plane. My eventual dream through both of these pathways is to work for either a charter or privately for a company in both the cockpit and maintenance building. Community service has also been something important to me. I have been involved with many different groups and completed various service projects over the years. Since 2019, I have been a cadet in Civil Air Patrol. It is an auxiliary of the Air Force and works to teach aerospace, emergency services, and cadet programs. In this program, I am able to teach others about aviation, direct others in aviation-related activities, and listen to former and active pilots. This assists me toward my aviation career goals by giving me people experienced in aviation to talk to and guide me. Outside of CAP, I am an unofficial volunteer for the United Services Organization (USO). Through my work with the organization, I have been able to meet some military officers who have been able to point me in the right direction. I learned about CAP from someone through the USO, which eventually led me to meet my flight instructor and start flight training. As I continue in life, I hope to remain involved in organizations like these where I can make an impact on the community.

Goals: Earn Commercial Pilots License and Certified Flight Instructor licenses. Teach new flight students as a flight instructor and then transfer to corporate flying. Resources: Flight school, transportation, books, notebooks Budget: $752 for 3/hr flight lesson every other week; $45-$55 a week for gas Starting in 2022, I have been participating in the aviation industry. My primary goal in this industry is to earn my pilot’s licenses and eventually work as a pilot flying for a private company or corporate business. I have always been interested in aviation. As a little girl, my grandparents would take me, my siblings, and my cousins to airshows where we would get to watch spectacular demonstrations of pilots doing crazy stunts and exhibits. This always made for an exciting weekend, and we would talk about it nonstop. Outside of airshows, I would (and still do) read books about different aviation pioneers and the advancement of flight. These books provided the history of flight, the newest technology of yesterday and today, the struggles of getting into the field, and the fulfillment of dreams. This greatly fueled my love for aviation. In spring of 2022, I slowly started my progression into this field by taking flying lessons once a month at a local airport. As the year progressed, I picked up the pace on my lessons so that I earned my Private Pilots License in May of 2023. From there, I moved directly into the next thing: the Instrument rating. Through long hours of training, I progressed through this program to earn my Instrument rating in late spring of 2024. Currently, I am in a program to earn my Commercial Pilot’s License which will allow me to start operating somewhat on my goal. Upon earning my Commercial Pilot’s License, I will be staying in the program to earn my Certified Flight Instructor License. By getting my instructor license, I will be able to start working at various flight schools teaching new students while simultaneously building up my flight hours. Once I have built up the required flight hours, I can apply and start working as a pilot for a company. To continue on my path for aviation, the required resources are 1) a flight school (which I am enrolled in), 2) transportation, 3) any required books or notebooks for the program, and 4) flight items such as headset and set cushions. Going forward, I will continue flight training every other week. As I get closer to the end of my program, I will pick up the pace to assist in procedure and memory retention. I will continue to work and apply for scholarships to pay for the costs of this program.

I have always been interested in aviation. As a little girl, my grandparents would take me, my siblings, and my cousins to airshows where we would get to watch spectacular demonstrations of pilots doing crazy stunts and exhibits. This always made for an exciting weekend, and we would talk about it nonstop. Outside of airshows, I would (and still do) read books about different aviation pioneers and the advancement of flight. These books provided the history of flight, the newest technology of yesterday and today, the struggles of getting into the field, and the fulfillment of dreams. This greatly fueled my love for aviation. Now that I am a pilot myself, having completed my PPL and Instrument rating, aviation means so much more. To me, aviation means fulfilling your dreams, seeing the beauty of creation, embracing a fantastic community of people, and teaching those next in line. It is a feeling that I want to embrace and teach to the next generation. While aviation has interested me since a young age, it was probably in 2019 that I really solidified my desire to become a pilot. In 2019, I joined Civil Air Patrol, which is an auxiliary of the US Air Force. As a cadet, I was immersed in aerospace training and activities and surrounded by veteran and aspiring pilots. Two months after I joined, I was taken on my first orientation flight and I knew that's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. In 2022, I started my aviation career at a local flight school. I worked with two instructors at this flight school to earn my Private Pilot’s license and Instrument rating. Since earning my Instrument rating, I have been building hours toward my commercial license. Throughout all of my training, I prioritize safety by being aware of my surroundings on the ground and in the air, maintaining contact with ATC, staying focused on the task at hand, and staying one step ahead of the airplane. Safety is paramount to being a pilot and safely getting the plane and passengers from point A to point B. Alongside becoming a pilot and working to earn my licenses, I am enrolled in an aviation maintenance program, where I aim to earn my A&P (mechanic/maintenance technician) license. This program will assist me in learning more about the planes I fly: what they are made of, how they operate, and how to fix certain issues. In getting my A&P license, I will also have more job opportunities and will eventually be able to work on my own plane. My eventual dream through both of these pathways is to work for either a charter or privately for a company in both the cockpit and maintenance building. My biggest struggle in my aviation career was in May of 2024 when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Initially, I thought I would no longer be able to fly or at least not fly the way I wanted to. However, in doing some research, I learned that the FAA has lifted some of its restrictions regarding diabetic pilots. So, while it remains difficult to get various licenses, I can still follow my dream of being a commercial pilot. The amazing thing about this is that not only can I encourage aspiring female pilots, but I can also share my experiences as a diabetic pilot. This has opened up doors for me to share with those who may feel discouraged because of medical conditions. I am the best candidate to receive this award because I am hardworking, dedicated to what I am doing, and have a passion for aviation. By already earning my PPL and Instrument rating, I have displayed my dedication to the field of aviation and my pursuance of making this my career. Going through my aviation career so far has had its rough spots. I have had challenges with the weather (as everyone does), struggles with feeling like I am behind in my training, changing instructors as they leave for bigger jobs, and a recent medical diagnosis. Through all of this, I have stayed true to my course in aviation, not giving up because it was tough. Aviation is not a field for the weak, you must be resilient, willing to learn, and embracing mistakes. I am always ready to study so that I may be better in what I am doing. I will not be able to be the best, at least not right away, but I can always be my best. I continue to read about people experiences in aviation and share my own with those who are ready to listen. By receiving this award, I will work hard to complete my flight training, which will lead to me to possible missionary work, work as a charter pilot, and an influencer for the new generation of oncoming pilots, mechanics, and engineers in aviation.

I have wanted to fly ever since I was a little girl; being fascinated by planes and by the idea of flying in the air. In kindergarten or first grade (I cannot remember which) I wrote in my journal that I wanted to be a parrot so I could fly. I do not know why I chose a parrot when any bird would have worked, all I know is that I wanted to fly. In the past few years, my interest in flying and being a pilot has grown tremendously, which led me to join Civil Air Patrol in August of 2019. Only a few months after joining was I able to take my first orientation flight. After that first ride, I knew beyond a doubt that I wanted to be a pilot. My love of flying and learning has been what lead me to pursue a degree in aviation. Becoming a woman in the aviation field would mean being a continuation of the women pioneers of the past. I would be the next part in the great stories of daring shows, cross-country races, dangerous missions, and life-saving support. Even though my part may be small at the beginning, it will get bigger and I will have the knowledge that I am following in the footsteps of brave women. I plan to encourage and support female students in pursuing aviation degrees by sharing my love of flying and showing my passion for it regardless of pay or benefits. I would also hope to be able to teach some of them about aviation to perhaps fuel a dream they never knew was there.