We were headed from Florida to Michigan to see family. I boarded the airplane with my three older brothers. My oldest brother, Andrew, was seated next to me. Andrew was fascinated by airplanes and knew everything about them. He started to talk to me about the different airplanes and flying in general. I instantly became fascinated too! He told me he wanted to be a pilot when he grows up. The pilot then came over the speaker to announce that we would be leaving soon, and I noticed it was a man. I reached over and asked my older brother, “Can women be pilots?” He told me they could, but there currently are not that many female pilots, so it would be hard for me to get into the field. From that point forward, I wanted to become a pilot. I worried because I am female, but I figured that I would not let barriers stop me, so I would find a way to succeed. Every time I flew, which was quite often, I never once encountered a female pilot. This simply is not acceptable. Women are underrepresented in the aviation field and I want to be a part of changing that trend. I love airplanes as much as my brother. I should have the same opportunities in aviation that he has and I will persevere until I make it as a pilot. I have three older brothers and I am used to being around all males, which would make entering a male dominated field much easier for me. I have had to fight my way through a lot to be able to get a seat at the table, I will use that same grit and determination to get a seat as a pilot in the cockpit. Success in the aviation industry will require me to be a skilled pilot, and will also require me to inspire and support other female students pursuing aviation degrees in the future. I will help pave the way and will fight to make it easier for other women to enter the field. Once I am a pilot I would make sure that I am educating females about opportunities in the industry. I would be visible, offer scholarships to women and most importantly, I would proudly encourage women to pursue a career in aviation. I will be the woman in the cockpit that little girls see and aspire to be. I envision a day when a woman pilot is no longer rare. Joining together, with other women in aviation , we will make this a reality. Pursuing a degree in aviation is my ultimate goal in life. I will do everything in my power to make it as a female pilot and will not stop until I am in the cockpit. It is essential that I do this, not only for me, but for all females. We need to be equally represented in the industry. No matter what obstacles I encounter, I will find a way to overcome them. Accomplishing this goal, along with inspiring other females to enter the aviation field is my greatest passion. Someday soon, you might just sit in your seat on the airplane and hear, “Welcome aboard, I am Sylvia Scovera, your pilot.”