The Cessna’s engine whirred as we glided into the air. Mr. Rich, the instructor, nodded and motioned for me to take hold of the yoke and “give it a go.” I took a firm grasp, adjusted the trim, my eyes on the horizon, and flew. I felt exhilarated, euphoric, just in absolute awe. I looked to my left and saw the vibrant green marshes of Jekyll Island, and to my right, the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With nothing but pure joy surrounding me like an aura, I was exhilarated. The feeling of being in control of such an intricate piece of aircraft, guiding one through the sky, was incomparable. I knew at that moment that aviation would be my passion- becoming a pilot would be my ultimate ambition. In the short time I was thousands of feet in the air, yoke in hand, flying up the coastline, I knew aviation was the field I wanted to pursue. Upon landing, Mr. Rich pulled me aside and said, “You’re really a natural. You know, I take some people flying and I can tell they’re going to have some difficulty with it. But it wasn’t like that with you. Come back and visit in ten or so years when you’re a pilot.” I will never forget those words. That statement lit a match that fueled a fire of drive and determination; drive and determination to pursue my passion. From the first moment I flew, I could envision aviation within my future. When Mr. Rich said he could see it in my future too, my dream blossomed into a reality. From that day on I knew a pilot would be my future career. I had never really seen independent female pilots growing up. Peering into the cockpit boarding a Boeing 737 as a small child and seeing two male pilots turn around, smile and wave, was a frequent occurrence. Curiously, I couldn’t name a single time I’ve been flown by a female pilot for an airline throughout the course of my life. In a male dominated world, it is easy to feel a sense of discomfort as a woman. This is a prominent issue especially in aviation, with less than six percent of all pilots being female. Throughout my life, despite knowing I am equally and fully capable, it feels as though my input, my work, or my success isn’t as valued as much as my male peers’. To succeed in a male dominated industry would prove, not only to others, but most importantly, to myself, that none of my limits are defined by being a woman. There is absolutely no reason why women should not comprise 50% of pilots as opposed to the current 5%. Female pilots are the future of aviation, and I will do everything in my power to inspire younger generations of female aviators to strive for success and pursue their passions. If I could do one thing to inspire future pilots, it would be to present them with the same opportunity I was given that ignited my passion. To provide a young female with the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and “give it a go,” could inspire her to pursue aviation as a career, as it did for me. To invoke this sense of inspiration in others is the most humbling and valuable aspiration I could ever hope to achieve.