My name is Olivia Allen, and I am a Commercial single engine pilot working toward both my Certified Flight Instructor certificate and Commercial multi engine rating, while also working on my Bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology. Aviation has been my dream since I was a young child looking at the sky, but my journey to the flight deck has been anything but ordinary. As a Deaf woman, I beat the odds and the naysayers who said I couldn't achieve my dreams. I was born Deaf and received a cochlear implant at 11 months old. Growing up, there were very few people like me to look up to. I attended St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf from ages three to six, becoming their very first student when the school opened in 2001. The school helped me learn how to speak, and fit into a hearing world. However, the older I got, the more often felt isolated. After mainstreaming to public school in kindergarten, I lost contact with any Cochlear Implanted children, and I had no adults who resembled me. Many people doubted what I could accomplish and some even pitied my parents. They assumed my Deafness would hold me back. My parents always told me I could do anything despite what others said, and I believed them. I worked hard in school and graduated with academic honors. In college, I earned associate degrees in Aviation Flight Technology and Deaf Studies/American Sign Language. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA, while getting onto the Dean's List. I not only showed others that I could rise above, but proved to myself that I could. Aviation became my true goal after my uncle, an air traffic controller, arranged a Young Eagles flight. That first flight ignited a passion that only grew stronger over time. The path to becoming a pilot was not easy. I had to fight for two years with the Federal Aviation Administration just to obtain a medical certificate with no restrictions. Until then, I could not enter flight school which crushed me. After that two year fight, I was able to start college and start training. From starting as a student pilot, to gaining my private pilot certificate, then earning my instrument rating, and now being a Commercial single engine pilot, each step has been a victory over my self-doubt. Passing my Commercial checkride was one of my proudest moments, because it proved I was capable of flying for more than just leisure. I'm now recognized professionally, which is a huge step. I'm not just flying for myself, but everyone who is different that has been told they couldn't achieve their dreams. My future goals reflect my desire to help others. I aspire to fly for the Indiana Donor Network, transporting organs to save lives. I also want to serve as a CFI so I can mentor future aviators, especially people with disabilities that may have also been told their dreams were impossible. By teaching, volunteering my time, and staying active in organizations like Women in Aviation and EAA, I hope to show others that the sky is not really the limit. Being Deaf has forced me to climb larger barriers than most, but my determination and grit stem heavily from it. My aviation journey is not only about flying through the sky, but about showing others that with resilience, perseverance and courage, even the most unlikely dreams can take flight.

Wicked isn’t just a musical, what makes it so memorable and special is the story it tells. It flips the story of the Wizard of Oz, and makes you think differently about what it means to be “good” or “wicked.” In the Wizard of Oz, you have Elphaba who was the "Wicked Witch of the West" and Galinda or Glinda, the "Goog Witch of the North." However, in the story of Wicked, Elphaba was a truly good witch who was subjected to cruelty her entire life. Glinda was a woman who was self absorbed and never stood up for Elphaba when people called her wicked. They were both far more complex than it seemed in the Wizard of Oz. Again Elphaba is a character who’s been judged and misunderstood her whole life. Throughout her journey, she stands up for what she believes in, even when it’s hard. She shares a story about identity, friendship, and finding your own path, even if it doesn’t fit what the world expects. That message really hit home for me because as a Deaf woman who has a cochlear implant. I never really fit in anywhere either. I didn't get into the love for Wicked until a couple years ago. “Defying Gravity” always leaves me with chills. I first heard the song on Glee and fell in love with it. Both Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel sang it beautifully. “For Good" perfectly portrays the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. It is authentically real, full of ups and downs, and shows how people can change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. What I love most about Wicked is how it reminds me that being different isn’t something to hide, but rather something to celebrate. It taught me that strength can look quiet, awkward, or misunderstood, much like I have been. We need to remember that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is just be ourselves. That’s why Wicked means so much to me. It’s not just a show or a book, it’s a story that’s reminds us all that everyone deserves the chance to fly.

From the moment I took my first Young Eagles flight at 11 years old, I knew aviation was where I belonged. The feeling of rising above the world and feeling a freedom I had never known before stayed with me, even when I was unsure of what career I wanted to chase. That flight didn’t just spark my interest in aviation; it lit a fire that drives me, even to this day. Since then, I’ve jumped feet first into the aviation community. I've built friendships and mentorships that inspire me every day. When I first expressed my desire to become a pilot, my aunt told others that I couldn’t do it because I’m Deaf, despite the fact that I wear a cochlear implant. She is not the only one who has made remarks that I am uncapable of flight. However, I refuse to let their expectations define me. I worked hard and earned my Private Pilot Certificate and then my Instrument rating. I’m now preparing for my commercial checkride and working toward my CFI. Every certificate I obtain is not just a milestone; it’s a message to myself and to others that barriers can be broken even if you are "different" from the rest of the world. I exemplify leadership in aviation by stepping up, speaking out, and creating space for others to shine in aviation. For the past two years I've had the honor of being the Women in Aviation Membership Chair for the Indianapolis Hoosier Heartland Chapter. I’ve helped grow our chapter, welcome new members, and coordinate outreach efforts to bring more local women into aviation. I constantly involve myself in aviation events such as pancake breakfasts through EAA or local community days, as well as volunteering at University events where I typically run the simulator lab. Besides roles such as the ones I mentioned earlier, I do my best to lead by example. As a Deaf aviator, I’m passionate about showing others that they belong in aviation, no matter their disability. I know the power of being seen and recognized for hard work. Aviation is not an easy field to get into and when people see me in the flight deck or attending events in the community, I hope they see the possibilities they have. I want to become a flight instructor not only to teach, but to mentor, encourage, and show future pilots that the sky is not the limit. The only limit anyone has is the one that they place on themself, so it is important to always keep dreaming big. For me, aviation is more than a career, it is an opportunity. I want to encourage anyone with passion and perseverance that they can fly. To me, leadership means that I should make it easier for the next person to soar even higher than I did. That is why I will continue to advocate for people like me who want to become pilots, but are told that they can't because of whatever adversity they face.

My long-term career goal is to become a pilot for TxJet, which is located at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). They are a contract carrier for the Indiana Donor Network, which means they transport organs across the United States to save lives. In addition to that, I hope to serve as a volunteer Certified Flight Instructor for Able Flight. It is a non-profit organization that creates pilots from individuals with disabilities, including amputees and Deaf/Hard of Hearing people. These goals are deeply personal to me, as I am also Deaf myself. I want to make a difference not just in people’s lives, but in their futures. My aviation journey began when my uncle, an air traffic controller, told my parents about a Young Eagles event in Elkhart, Indiana. That day, I got to sit in the front seat of a small airplane, and I fell in love with flying. Ever since, I’ve been driven not just by the thrill of flight, but by the community that surrounds it. The people in aviation, whether that is mentors, pilots, mechanics, or instructors, have inspired me to push forward, to be better, and to help others do the same. This was especially true in times when I was convinced I could not get through flight training. Not only is it difficult being in a male dominated field, but as a woman who was born Deaf, I was unsure of my abilities. Nobody in my family had ever gone to college, let alone a college for something as bold as pilot training. It was the community surrounding me that drove me forward and told me that I could do it; I could chase my dreams. Being Deaf has shaped the way I navigate both aviation and life. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I see it as a strength that gives me a unique perspective. It gives me a reason to help others who are also “different” pursue their dreams. That’s why earning my CFI is so important to me. I want to be the person who tells an aspiring pilot, "the sky is not the limit. The only limit you have is the one that you place on yourself, so keep dreaming big." It's advice that I wish I would have heard myself, given that I had no role models like myself to look up to. These goals have guided every decision I’ve made. I recently completed an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Flight Technology, as well as an Associate of Arts degree in ASL/Deaf Studies at Vincennes University. I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute for Aviation Business Management. I am currently preparing for my commercial pilot checkride and working toward my flight instructor certificate while I wait for my checkride. This scholarship would help support my continued training and allow me to become a flight instructor. That way I can be a mentor for others, just as others have been for me. Flying has given me a new outlook on life. Teaching others, while working for a company like TxJet would satisfy my desire to help others and live a life that betters the people around me, and the world we live in.

As a young child, I often looked up to the sky. I dreamed about flying in the sky, like pilot Barbie, and traveling from destination to destination. When I was 11 years old, my uncle, an air traffic controller in Elkhart, Indiana, approached my parents about a Young Eagles event happening at his work. We drove to Elkhart, Indiana from our little town of Colfax, Indiana to attend. When standing in line, waiting for my 15 minute flight, the pilot approached me. "Would you like to sit in the right seat up front with me?" I gleefully replied that I would. The pilot, two backseat passengers of similar age to me, and I all went up in a little Cessna 172. The pilot let me have controls briefly and I fell in love with the sky and what it means to be in it at that moment. As a sophomore in high school, I decided that I wanted to become a pilot. I was unsure if realistically, it was something I could do as a Deaf woman, despite having a cochlear implant. I did my discovery flight that year and made the determination that I heard well enough with my cochlear implant to pursue my dream... So I did. I fought the FAA for two years to get a cleared medical that allowed me to start schooling to become a pilot. I have successfully completed my Private pilot certification and my instrument rating. I'm currently waiting on a commercial pilot checkride and I'm constantly planning my next steps. I could not have made it through without the support of my parents, sister and many friends from the aviation world that I've made along the way. The people in the aviation community inspire me daily to show up, put the work in and never stop dreaming. It is them that make me so passionate about aviation, even though I adore airplanes as well. You will not find a community more willing to step up and help another aviator in need, even in places as large as EAA AirVenture, where everyone is ready to lend a hand. It is through the examples I have been shown that make me want to become a flight instructor. I not only help others chase their dreams, but I want to encourage individuals who have been deemed "different," such as I have, and make them pilots. I hope to volunteer my time to Able Flight once I get my CFI certification completed. They help amputees, Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals and people with other disabilities get their pilot certification. I cannot imagine a more honorable use of my skills than investing my time helping others the way time was invested in me to further my success. This scholarship would help me tremendously with the costs of my flight instructor training and put me one step closer to giving back to the community.

1. As a Deaf woman with a cochlear implant, my parents told me that anything I wanted to become, I could. I'm very thankful to have had unwavering support throughout my life, but I'm not sure it was that big of a shock to them when I told them I wanted to be a pilot. As a little girl, my parents pointed out airplanes in the sky because my eyes were always glancing skyward. I told them at age 6 that I wanted to be pilot Barbie, but kids of course change their minds every day. The event that solidified my love for aviation was the Young Eagles flight that I took around the age of 11 in Elkhart, Indiana. My uncle was an air traffic controller there at the time, and because of the program, the pilot asked me to sit up front. He let me manipulate the controls a little and I was hooked. There was nothing more magical than that feeling and I was determined from that day forth - I was going to be one of the first Deaf lady pilots. 2. I prioritize and maintain safety in aviation by setting firm personal minimums. The minimums include ceilings, winds and temperatures, as well as personal factors such as illnesses or external pressures. They are wrote down so that I never question whether a flight should be made or not. The aircraft is also very important to my safety, so extra measures are taken to verify the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. Before every flight lesson, I also comb through the Flight Operation Manual and review the maneuvers that I will doing that day or the day after that. In aviation you can never be too safe. 3. My biggest challenge in my pursuit to aviation was the two-year battle I faced with the FAA to clear my medical certificate. Despite using a cochlear implant to hear and communicate, the FAA was reluctant to issue my first class medical. My Aviation Medical Examiner cleared me for a first class medical with no issues. Since it has to go through the FAA for approval, I got it back 3 months later. The medical stated that I was not valid for solo flight. I submitted a lot of paperwork, made many calls and after a year, was able to get a medical flight test done. After 6 months of waiting, I got my medical back. However, upon closer inspection, the examiner cleared me for my vision. I use glasses for my nearsightedness, but that was originally stated in the medical to begin with. Since the examiner retired a couple months after our flight, I had to call and explain the circumstances. He was quick to get ahold of the FAA but it was another 3 months before I got my medical back fully cleared. After two years of back and forth with the FAA, I started my flight training. 4. There are a number of skills and qualities that I possess that I believe contribute greatly to my success in aviation. The first quality I hold is my willingness and ability to learn. There is no room for mistakes in this industry and I find that many students can be hard to teach. They either think they know all the material or they get too cocky and it ends up backfiring on them later. By being willing to learn and train, I acknowledge that I will never have every answer. I enjoy gaining new knowledge and being a lifelong student. The second skill I have is my ability to work with others. I may not be a natural at flying like some individuals are, but I can effectively and maturely communicate and express what I need or what others may need. I am not afraid to speak up, especially when it pertains to the safety of flight. 5. To serve others in my community I participate in a number of aviation related activities. Numerous times I have helped my school, Vincennes University, with events. During these events I have sat as a panel member, operated the flight simulators or talked one on one with individuals interested in aviation. On top of that, I am a member of EAA Chapter 67 and The 99's. My local airport has a community breakfast and airport day in one of the hangars. I have helped them with that event for the last two years. I am also a board member of the Women in Aviation Hoosier Heartland Chapter. Myself and six other women from the aviation industry noticed that there was a lack of representation in Indianapolis, and together we got a chapter running and certified as a non profit in 10 months. To better represent women and underrepresented minorities in aviation, I hope to pursue my Certified Flight Instructor certificate so I can teach other female pilots, especially those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. By becoming a CFI, I could also get involved with a non profit called Able Flight, which allows differently abled people to become pilots. 6. I believe that I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am not only devoted to what I do, but I'm devoted to helping others get into this field as well. I've seen what aviation has done for me and there's nothing more I want than to spread the joy of flight. I am a hard worker who never gives up. Despite my own family members telling me that becoming a pilot as a Deaf person is impossible, I obtained my Private pilot certificate and my instrument rating. I'm not a stranger to adversities and negative stereotypes. They have only made me a stronger person and a more confident pilot. I am not an Alaskan native, however, I would love nothing more than to fly in the beautiful state that you all call home. I recognize the profound use of airplanes, especially for those who live in the bush. My plan is to get my Seaplane rating at Alaska Floats & Skis in the future. 9. Aviation in Alaska is especially important for a number of reasons. Since Alaska is not connected to the lower 48 states, airplanes are one of the only ways to receive mail from the other parts of the United States. The sheer size and ruggedness of Alaska means that air travel, especially Seaplane travel, is one of few options for bush residents to access healthcare, supplies, food and other individuals. Since many towns do not have roads connecting them, snow mobiles and aircraft are more or less the only options that villagers have on most occasions. The need for planes in Alaska are exponentially higher than other areas in the world. Aircraft are not simply for pleasure in Alaska, they are a livelihood.

Adversity is something that many individuals face in their lifetimes, whether that be at work, at home or in education. To those with disabilities or differences, those afflictions come more readily than they would for your average person. When I was born, parents heard "I'm sorry," "poor thing" and "what a sad situation." Why you ask? They had a child who could not hear, and to many that is a tragic thing. You see, people tend to think that those who are Deaf will have no quality of life, or that they are somehow less than everyone else. However, my parents heard about Cochlear Implants. They were a device that could allow me to hear, although a bit differently, because some people in STEM decided to try their hand at a bionic device that rewires sound to the brain. It took years of speech therapy, a school that taught me how to talk and determination but I started Kindergarten and graduated high school at the same school. At the age of around 11, I took a Young Eagles flight in Elkhart, Indiana and it was there that the flying bug bit me. Airplanes had always intrigued me before, but there was something different about sitting in that right seat and touching the flight controls. I never looked back, and my sophomore year of high school I decided I was going to be a pilot. The amount of people I had questioning me despite me soaring past anyone's expectations was alarming and caught me off guard. I had questions such as, "Can you really do that?" and "Can you be a pilot and be Deaf?" while others flat out told me that I could not be a pilot because I would not be able to hear what I needed to despite my Cochlear Implant. Although I started to ponder if the words they said had truth, I knew that I would rather live with the downfalls of my failures compared to the regret of not trying and seeing who I could become in life. From there I set forth on my aviation journey. It took a two year battle of proving my worth to the Federal Aviation Administration, but I came out victorious and I earned my Private Pilot certificate exactly a year after I started my aviation classes at Vincennes University. Today I stand tall with my Private Pilot certification, my instrument rating and the drive to complete more certificate and ratings. The adversities I faced taught me to believe in myself and my dreams, to never give up and to stand proudly in all that I have overcome. Aviation is a STEM driven field, and it is the reason I am so passionate about life and my future. The costs of my education have been overwhelming, however, as my parents are unable to help pay my tuition. Student loans have swallowed every dime that I have, especially since aviation is a lot more than just tuition costs. Fuel, airplane rental, and other aspects have drained my bank account. The way I see it, I get to live my dream despite those costs and I am lucky to be where I am. This scholarship would help relieve stress by reducing the amount of loans I have to withdraw. It would support my aspirations and allow me to show the world what the differently abled girls on Earth can do. As Steve Jobs once said, "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."

Billie Eilish has made an impact on generations with her musical knowledge and artistry. Her lyrics, soft voice and powerful vocals tell a story that many need to hear. She is one of my favorite artists because of her authenticity and ability to be emotionally vulnerable with her fans. My favorite song of Billie's is: "SKINNY." The reason is because she opens up about the damaging effects of how people compliment you only when you're skinny. They tell you how beautiful and desirable you are once you lose weight, when in reality weight has nothing to do with the soul of a person. My favorite line is "people say I look happy just because I got skinny, but the old me is still me and maybe the real me and I think she's pretty." The simplicity yet power of this line is astronomical. I have been in her shoes, because when I lost weight, I got compliments left and right. However, the person that I am inside, is still the same soul that I had when I had more weight, which is what Billie is saying in the song. It really resonated and made me feel less alone. If world-famous Billie Eilish feels that way, then I really am not the only person facing that dilemma. The second song that I feel connected with is "What Was I Made For?" As someone who was born Deaf, and now has a cochlear implant, there were many times growing up where I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere. No matter how hard I tried, I didn't know who to go to, where I was meant to be or even who I was meant to be. I was stuck in a place where isolation and uncertainty was the only friend I knew. "I don't know how to feel, but I wanna try. I don't know how to feel, but someday I might." It is so subtle, so simple, but the power behind Billie's voice and the lyrics make you feel as if you're not alone. Billie and Finneas's lyrics are always so wise beyond their years and it shows itself a lot in this song. My third favorite song is "my future." When she says, "I'm in love with my future, can't wait to meet her and I, I'm in love but not with anybody else; just want to get to know myself," I get chills. It takes me back to my high school years when I had toxic friends and family members in my life. I was so excited about choosing to pursue my pilot certificate but only a few people believed in me. I was constantly asked if being Deaf and a pilot was something I could do. I cut so many people out of my life after graduation because I needed positivity and to reach my goals. Now that I've done the two hardest initial trainings for that and passed, I realize just how toxic that environment was. I am still so excited to meet my future and see where I land, but I have quickly realized that my parents, sister, niece, nephew and the small group of amazing friends I have are the only people I really need to get through life now. There is no more isolation or people letting me down. I have my tribe and often I still listen to these songs and think about the profound effect they've had on me and many others.

Being born Deaf, my whole family was in shock. There were many milestones that they were worried about, but one of them was what I would be able to accomplish in my later years of life. Many Deaf people stay in certain career fields and few venture out of it. They got me a cochlear implant and soon found out that I had quite the imagination. I wanted to be a pilot Barbie at age 3. Then I wanted to become a cosmetologist like my sister. Later it was a conservation officer with a K9 and finally during my sophomore year of high school, I decided I did want to be a pilot - just minus the Barbie part of it. Everyone assumed I had lost my mind. My parents always told me I could be whatever I dreamed up, but they were skeptical. I mean in reality, how many Deaf pilots have you seen? The answer is probably none, which was true for myself as well. I didn't know any Deaf pilots, and I surely had not seen any in the media before. That did not discourage me however, and I started applying for college. After getting into a few, I chose Vincennes University because I loved the feel of a small campus and the camaraderie that comes with it. What I didn't know, however, was that instead of starting school in the fall of 2019, I would start two whole years later in the Fall of 2021. The reason for this is that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not like Deaf pilots - shocker right? They made me fight tooth and nail to get my medical cleared of all restrictions. Originally my medical said "not valid for solo flight." Any pilot must be able to fly solo in order to take the checkride and get their certificate. After a lot of back and forth, a medical flight test and some more arguing, I got my cleared medical and started school two years later than planned. Exactly one year from the day I started school, I became a private pilot. Now I am an instrument rated pilot and working on my commercial certificate so that I may fly for hire. Once my commercial certificate is in hand, I will work towards my flight instructor certificate. After obtaining that, I will teach other students to fly. My main goal with being a flight instructor is to get other women and people with disabilities, into the air. Aviation is for everyone and I strive to make the community feel as welcomed as possible. In order to do this, I took ASL so that I can communicate better with the Deaf community. I did that so that I can give them an opportunity to learn to fly just as I have. I will graduate in the Spring of 2025 with an associate's degree in aviation and American Sign Language. Once that is all complete, I will pursue my bachelor's degree with Purdue University. The sky is the limit, and I am only just beginning to take my flight towards greatness.

Growing up my parents always told me that I could be and do whatever I wanted. Being Deaf with a cochlear implant, there were many people who disagreed with that statement. I always turned my head skyward when I was little, looking for any aircraft I could spot. However, it wasn't until around the age of 11 that I got face to face with an airplane. My Uncle Mick, an air traffic controller in Elkhart, Indiana, told my parents about an event going on at the airport. The event was called Young Eagles, and it allowed kids to ride in a plane for free. It was a 2 hour and 40 minute drive one way, but my parents took me to the airport that day. The pilot asked me to sit in the right seat, and the rest is history - I was hooked! During my sophomore year of high school, I decided that aviation was the route that I wanted to go. I was supposed to start college the fall after high school, but ended up having to fight the FAA to clear my medical. That process took 2 years, however, I pulled through with a Statement of Demonstrated Ability and a medical with no restrictions. I got my Private Pilot certificate exactly one year after starting college and then recently passed my IFR check ride. Although family members and "friends" either questioned if I was capable or straight up said it was not possible, I persevered. The aviation community, on the other hand, supported me and cheered me on from the start. I have made a large number of friends, the majority of whom I met through aviation. In my younger years I stayed away from female friends as I did not like competing with them. Now, the majority of my friend group is powerful lady aviators who support me and help guide me through life. There is only healthy competition with ourselves and not with each other. I am not only passionate about aviation because of the friendships I have forged and the people I have met, although that is a large part of it. I am passionate because airplanes are exciting and there is no feeling quite like the one you get when you are airborne. Even if airplanes aren't exciting to one person, there are helicopters, drones, gliders, hot air balloons and so much more! The opportunities are endless when it comes to aviation. Being a pilot means that you are a part of something more than just yourself. No matter where you go in the world, someone will be there to help with a smile. I have not found many other communities that have that camaraderie. It is a rare and special bond to have, and I feel honored that I get to be a part of that. I am most excited to get my CFI certificate so I can help other women and individuals with disabilities get into aviation. I hope they find the amount of love and support as I have within this community.

As a young child, I found myself looking to the skies for any airplane that passed by. I would wonder who they were, where they were going and what kind of airplane they were flying. Growing up, my parents always told me I could be whoever and whatever I wanted to be. Other people wouldn't agree with that idea, because I was different. I was born Deaf, and at the age of 11 months old, I received a cochlear implant. I wasn't like the other kids, and I certainly didn't have anyone who looked like me to look up to. Fast forward to age 11, my parents received a call from my Uncle Mick, an air traffic controller in Elkhart, Indiana. He made them aware about an event called Young Eagles that was going on at work. Thus, we drove all the way to Elkhart from Colfax, a two hour and forty minute drive. I had never been up close to an airplane, let alone inside of one so my excitement was at an all time high. I didn't think it was possible to be more excited until the pilot asked me to sit in the right seat. I, of course, couldn't say yes fast enough. The rest is history; I was hooked. My sophomore year of high school, I made the decision that aviation was the path that I belonged on. The fall after my senior year, I was on track to go to Vincennes University for aviation to pursue that dream. Unfortunately, a long fight with the FAA did not allow that to happen. I fought for two years to get my medical cleared as the first medical I got said "not valid for solo flight." I did end up beating the FAA and was issued a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, which cleared my medical of all restrictions. I attended Vincennes in the Fall of 2021, and a year later received my Private Pilot certification. Less than two years later, I got my instrument rating. Now I am on track to finish my commercial pilot certification by December, then adding on my multi-engine to that commercial certification the following spring. Not only will I graduate from Vincennes with an Associate's degree in Aviation in the spring of 2025, but I will also graduate from the same college with an associate's degree in American Sign Language. I feel as if I have displayed leadership qualities by never giving up, working hard and also leading people into aviation while having excess barriers placed against me. Tenacity, grit and relentlessness are good qualities in a leader. Once I obtain my CFI certificate, I plan on leading even more individuals into aviation in the hopes of creating a more diverse field. Ultimately my goal is to provide a judgement free zone where people feel safe to be themselves and to learn how to fly. I would like to target more of the female and disabled population. Aviation is not only for certain individuals, it is for everyone. There is no love quite like the love for airplanes and the people that come with it.

Deaf pilots are very few and far between. Just over 300 Deaf individuals have their pilot's certificate and very few of those individuals have no restrictions on their medicals. I am one of those rare individuals. Recently I passed my instrument flight rules check ride, and I am now legally a Private pilot with an instrument rating. My next goals in my training include receiving my commercial pilot certificate, getting a multi-engine add on and graduating Vincennes University's associate's degree in the Spring of 2025. After that, I will work on obtaining my Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument and Certified Multiengine Instructor certificates and my graduating with my bachelor's degree in Aviation Flight Technology a couple years later. I like the feeling of gaining new knowledge and the challenge of bettering myself each day. Ultimately, my goal is to get more people involved in the wonderful world of aviation. However, I specifically want to work with other women, and people with disabilities so that I can build their confidence and get more of these individuals into aviation. I did not have someone who looked like me to look up to, especially not in the aviation field, so it's crucial for me to step into that role for others. The ultimate dream career for me has many aspects. I want to be in a good job that I love which pays me well. Travelling the world, while living a comfortable and happy life is of extreme importance for me. The chance to be present in my niece and nephew's lives is of utmost importance to me as well. I did not have present aunts or uncles that took the time for me, so I strive to be there for as many of their life events as possible. I have debated the airline and corporate worlds and with my ability to adapt, I believe I would be well suited for either of them. However, I think that I would be best suited as an airline pilot who gets to take flights abroad. I will achieve the goals I have set forth by working hard, studying, and getting all tests done ahead of time. By doing all written exams at least 6 months in advance of my check ride, I will eliminate stress and be fully prepared when the time comes to do the test. The only way I will come out on top is if I put in the work to do so. My resilience, integrity and grit are the reason I have gotten this far, and it excites me to see what new heights I will conquer because of them.

I have been interested in aviation for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was constantly looking to the skies and dreaming of being a pilot. At the age of around 11 years old, I took my first flight with Young Eagles and I was hooked. I never imagined that I could actually pursue aviation and make it a career. In high school, I was constantly told that deaf people couldn't be pilots and it didn't matter that I could hear with the use of a cochlear implant or speak perfect English; I would never be able to do it. In reality, there are over 300 deaf pilots worldwide. The vast majority of them, however, are either light sport pilots or private pilots with numerous medical restrictions. I was determined to prove them wrong. I knew I was capable, and thus my battle with the FAA came into play. I was on track to start my aviation journey in the Fall of 2019 after graduating high school. The FAA had other plans however, and after a lengthy two year fight, I got a medical fully clear of restrictions. I started my first semester of college on August 16, 2021. Exactly one year later, I took my Private Pilot checkride and passed first attempt. I did my instrument flight training and on June 30, 2024, I passed my IFR ride on the first attempt. My plans now are to start my commercial flight training in August. Once I pass the single engine land commercial checkride, I will do my multi-engine land ride. After that, CFI, CFII and MEI will be on my list of things to do. I plan to also pursue my bachelors degree in Aviation Flight Technology after I graduate my Associate Degree program in the Spring of 2025. With my CFI certification, I plan to help others get their start in aviation. This is especially true about people with disabilities and women. I think that diversity in aviation is happening slowly but surely and I want to be the example that I never had growing up. By being a proud deaf woman, I can show little girls that their dreams are not out of reach. I have been involved in my community in a number of ways. My old high school has an extra curricular group for women called "Fierce Females." The principal invited me back to speak to the girls last year about my story. I answered all aviation questions and sparked some of the girls' interest in aviation. More recently, I helped with EAA Chapter 67's Pancake breakfast and Frankfort Municipal Airport's Community Day. Both events had astronomical numbers of participation from both pilots and the public. I helped these two events bring people into aviation by answering questions, getting people connected to pilots and getting those pilots some delicious food. When I am not helping the aviation world, I enjoy helping animals at the Clinton County Humane Society. I have volunteered there since I was 14 years old, although I do not get to stop in very often these days. Helping others is one of my favorite things to do, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able.