I currently have over 12 hours of ground school and flight experience, studying both privately and through a formal program to earn my private pilot’s license. Although flying is costly, I am committed to flying and studying as often as possible, continually aiming to advance my skills and knowledge. -- My name is Rowan Vasquez, and I live in the stunning state of Alaska. My passion for aviation began when a friend invited me to fly in her Cessna Skyhawk 172. From that moment, I was captivated by the freedom and thrill of being in the air. I’ve always loved driving, but flying quickly matched that joy, sparking my ambition to pursue a career in aviation. In addition to my flight training, I am currently in college, working toward a degree in education to become a teacher. I hope to combine these skills to help children and bring education to rural parts of Alaska. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several villages in Alaska, each unique but often only accessible by plane or sea. My experiences have shown me the pressing need for more services, such as medical aid, education, and other essentials, in these remote areas. This has deepened my resolve to become a pilot who can make a difference in the lives of Alaskans, especially those in these isolated villages. My initial goal is to earn my private pilot’s license and then work toward a commercial license. With a commercial license, I could travel across Alaska’s rugged terrain, providing crucial services and support to local villages. These communities face numerous challenges, especially during times of crisis. For instance, when COVID-19 struck in 2020, many Alaskan villages struggled to receive necessary supplies and resources that those in urban areas often take for granted. This experience showed me how valuable it would be to offer a dependable way to connect these communities to essential goods, healthcare, and education. By obtaining my pilot’s license, I aim to bridge this gap and provide support to these villages no matter what challenges arise. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to invest in my flight training and the essential materials and tools needed to pursue this path. Coming from a family with limited financial resources, I never thought I would be able to pursue a field that requires such substantial investment. However, I am determined not to let financial obstacles hold me back from what I feel called to do. My goal is to serve and strengthen Alaskan communities by flying to remote areas, helping to bring people and resources closer together. I am driven by a passion for supporting Alaska’s diverse cultures, building connections, and fulfilling my dream of making a positive impact across our state. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Through Christ, I have found the strength and courage to push through any obstacle that comes my way, and I am ready to pursue this journey with faith and determination.