At the age of 17, my father committed suicide. My emotional and psychological trauma from that was engrained in me. During my parent's separation, I resided with my father only to move back with my mom after his passing. Our whole family was affected as I was dealing with how to process grief and my mom losing her second husband. It was a very dark time in my life, yet my mom stayed with me and supported me not just emotionally but embraced the idea that I could do something that might seem impossible. My dream was to become an airline pilot, yet at the time I did not know how expensive this major would be. She pushed me to apply as we discussed our financial options. I began my education having faith that God would provide for my needs. Having only enough funds to finance my first year of college, my mom worked full-time to support herself and help me. She will forever have a lasting impact on my life as she was the one to pave the way to my dreams. As I finished my high school education and community college, I transferred nearly 50 college credits that both applied to my diploma and to my university general education studies. My mother hadn’t worked for years until the year my father passed away. She has continued to be my financial support and my rock as I went to college and still today as I have 1 year left. I want to receive more scholarships on top of what I already have to relieve my mom and make it easier on her as her job is very physically demanding. During my first year, I met my girlfriend who has also been a support to me. She has brought me out of my depression and phase of self-doubt. We have both been through so much as I lost my father and she lost her family. Despite this, she has shown me the meaning of love and to her I owe everything. Our relationship has made me realize how important people are, the time we spend with them, and how we can support one another. This not only applies to family but the opportunity to help others when God has provided the means. Without my mom or my girlfriend, I don’t know if I would be where I am today. They have given so much of themselves and for that, I am so grateful. As my mom continues to work to help me finish my last year of college, I am only one step away from my degree and one step closer to my dream of flying.

My name is Nathanael Brown, and as of today, I am a pilot pursuing an aviation career. I have never been one to give up on an idea unless it involved subtracting myself from the population or a possibility of injury. I am very adventurous and love to spend time outdoors. Throughout my childhood, my interests and hobbies have always shifted from remote control cars to paintball to woodworking. My passion for aviation, however, has never changed. In the Fall of 2019, I began full-time dual enrollment to finish high school early and have a credit advantage over my graduating class. Little did I know that my father would soon pass away leaving me little financial hope of achieving my dream nor the fatherly support that every boy needs. I didn’t even understand just how expensive an aeronautical degree actually cost or how my background would give me any advantage in the aviation industry. Regardless, I kept that vision alive. By the grace of God, my family and I saved enough money to complete my first year at a university as I continued to finish high school. I applied to Liberty University, a Christian college with an extensive and competitive aviation program. It has been an answer to prayer that I have come as far as I have. As of today, I have one year left of my degree and one more semester left to pay for. Coming so far and being so close to the finish line gives me so much motivation to be the best I can be. Aviation is not for the passive but requires boldness and assertiveness. With any other field that may require years of training, aviation is a continual exercise of knowledge and skill until the day of retirement. Quality training that lays a foundation for a career in a competitive field is so, so necessary. Not only will my education give me the experience I need to become an airline pilot but challenges my character and faith. I have received several scholarships that have helped me financially, and each scholarship gradually reduces my semester’s tuition. As of right now, I need an additional 8000 dollars to raise in just a few months and any scholarship I receive is a tremendous answer to prayer. Now as I continue to pursue my education in Bachelor of Science in Commercial/Corporate Aeronautics, I have found myself as a lead mentor in the High Flight Mentoring Club, learning, training, and encouraging future aviators. This club allows me to come alongside aviation students in my community to share the training I’ve received and mentor them in their education, personal, and spiritual growth. This has been super beneficial for me as I can network and expand my passion for aviation with others, and they can do the same. After college, I would also really like to come alongside an aviation student who was in my shoes and offers them a scholarship that will financially aid with their education.

American author and scholar, Warren Bennis once said, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." Ever since I could make "vroom vroom" noises as a child I've had a passion for aviation. No machine could compare to an airplane or any other field could satisfy my craving for adventure. My name is Nathanael Brown, and as of today, I am a pilot pursuing an aviation career. As a child, I have never been one to give up on an idea unless it involved subtracting myself from the population or a possibility of injury. This would either result in success or a lesson. Throughout my childhood, my interests and hobbies have always shifted from remote control cars to paintball to woodworking. My passion for aviation, however, has never changed. In the Fall of 2019, I begun full-time dual enrollment to finish high school early and have a credit advantage over my graduating class. Little did I know that my father would soon pass away leaving me little financial hope of achieving my dream nor the fatherly support that every boy needs. My passion was almost snuffed out as my dream was no longer reachable. A father figure of sorts came alongside me at my lowest points soon after my father passed away. I remember him saying, "A boy becomes a man when he can lead himself, but a man becomes a leader when he can extend the vision and empower others." I kept that vision alive. By the grace of God, my family and I saved enough money to complete my first year of college as I continued to finish high school. I applied to Liberty University, a Christian college with an extensive and competitive aviation program. There I was accepted and soon began the next chapter in my life. It has been an answer to prayer that I have come as far as I have. I have almost completed my commercial pilot training and plan to finish my certified flight instruction certification in the Spring of 2024. Though I have strayed many a time, God has never left my side and I am living proof. Aviation is not for the passive but requires boldness and assertiveness. As this is true, pilots are stereotypically seen as arrogant, yet humility can speak loudly, and often, actions speak louder than words. The quality of leadership is someone who stands out and inspires people to do something they've never done to obtain something they've never had. Whether I become an airline pilot, test pilot, or corporate pilot, I have the position to influence through my actions and testimony to instill vision and empower people. Now as I continue to pursue my education in Bachelor of Science in Commercial/Corporate Aeronautics, I have found myself as a lead mentor in the High Flight Mentoring Club, learning, training, and encouraging future aviators. I have also recently become the event coordinator for the Contrails Club where I have the responsibility of organizing a formal event space for major airlines and corporate companies to speak and recruit students. We aim to create a platform for students who are launching into aviation careers after graduating college. I want to become that influence by being a light for Christ, becoming an example of excellence, and leading with humility. The vision of a leader is tomorrow's success.