When I was young, I wanted to be a pilot but thought there were no opportunities for me. For so long, being a pilot was this “untouchable thing” that was only meant for certain people— so I assumed. So, I pursued what I was skilled in—Graphic Design/Illustration. Even after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in design, I still felt incomplete. I thought I’d give back to my community by becoming staff at the University of Houston; this way I could help other students striving to achieve their dreams. I’ve done this for over 20 years and created many positive, impactful programs for my students, but I felt incomplete—I was still fascinated with flying! I decided to get a motorcycle license, to replace the idea of becoming a pilot. This has taught me many skills regarding situational awareness, operating with smooth, precise and controlled movements. I have over 14,000 miles of seat time, completed 2 Track Days, and was a flag marshal for Valentino Rossi’s last race at COTA in 2021! After checking these goals off “My List”, something was still missing! Every week, I’d go to IAH to watch airliners take-off and land, relaxing to the sound of engines roaring as they pass. I’d look up and say “that’s so cool! I wish I could do that”. For me, regardless of all the things I’ve set out to do and accomplished, being a pilot was still unobtainable for a “person like me”. However, this year something changed—I met a pilot. We began discussing aviation. I was so impressed by his determination and immediately knew that I wanted to share my love and dreams of aviation with him. I told him I wanted to be a pilot but that I was too old—that time passed me by. He stopped me—encouraged me to pursue it, and not to give up on the idea, but to make it a reality. I spoke to my sister about being a pilot and she excitedly said “DO IT!”. She began pouring her support and excitement into me, explaining that I would be perfect for the career. Why didn’t I ever express my dreams about this to her? I thought I was alone in my aspiration to fly, because I isolated myself from my own abilities. I always had support from her that I never tapped into because I told myself that I couldn’t do it! Suddenly, a blaze was lit under me! I CAN DO THIS! I read about Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American female to obtain her International Pilot license. Her barriers and courage kindled a fire in me. I also want to mentor young girls who have the same aspirations I do. I’m currently in private pilot training at a local aviation trade school (American Flyers). If I win this scholarship, it will bring me closer to obtaining my Airline Pilot License and to be included in the 7% of pilots who are female. Thank you!

1. Which trade are you going to pursue after graduation: The trade I’m currently pursuing is a private pilot license in Aviation! It is the first of many that I plan to obtain to eventually fly in the airlines. 2. Why are you interested in this particular trade? I’ve always wanted to be an airline pilot, whether it’s helping someone travel or making sure their package is delivered! I find aviation fascinating. The view from the sky is so different from on the ground. It’s peaceful but very active! The fact that we can’t see all of the activity in the air is partly what makes aviation special. Many things are occurring in the different streams of air and pressures. The aerial view continues to remind me that I’m doing something special. It’s very abnormal in a positive way. 3.Examples of projects: I also ride a motorcycle (ninja 400) and I work on it a lot! One of my favorite projects was to create more space in the “trunk”, the area under the rear seat! I literally cut the plastic separators in order to make room for a larger space. The plastic pieces were sharp so I added carpet over it. Now I keep my set of tools and other items in there. It was interesting and fun! My second project is that I needed to change my rear sprocket because it was cracked! In order to do this, I had to remove the rear tire and that was a hassle. The entire process was very frustrating and was a difficult project for me. The 3rd project I wanted to mention is an art technique called “stippling”. I have currently stippled 3 portraits that include: Nina Simone (singer/activist), Lewis Hamilton (formula 1 driver), and Dark Schneider ( anime character) 4. What is your plan and how far along are you in your plan? I’m currently enrolled in American Flyers aviation school, and I have 13.4 hours of flight! My plan is to either fly for Southwest airlines, UPS or Fedex. I’m in the beginning of my training. I just finished Basic Attitude Flying, and have started more advanced manuevers such as: slow flight, steep turns, and power-off stalls. I will eventually need to complete the following licenses/ratings: instrument rating, Commercial Pilot license, multi engine rating, turbo rating, and airline transport license. I’m also considering a Certified Flight Instructor license so that I can give back and help make someone else’s dream come to fruition! I also recently made a connection with an airline captain of a recent flight I took. He mentored me for about an hour and invited me into the cockpit of the 737 plane he was flying that day! It was an amazing experience. 5. Yes! There are quite a few adults that you could contact and they would recommend me for this scholarship. Family members, friends, but also colleagues (an associate provost of a university) and some of my previous and current flight instructors! Thank you for considering me for Joseph’s scholarship!

When I was young, I wanted to be a pilot but thought there were no opportunities for me. For so long, being a pilot was this “untouchable thing” that was only meant for certain people, with certain backgrounds— so I assumed. So, I pursued what I was skilled in—Graphic Design/Illustration. Even after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in design, I still felt incomplete. I thought I’d give back to my community by becoming staff at the University of Houston; this way I could help other students striving to achieve their dreams. I’ve done this for over 20 years and created many positive, impactful programs for my students, but I felt incomplete—I was still fascinated with flying! I decided to get a motorcycle license, to replace the idea of becoming a pilot. This has taught me many skills regarding situational awareness, operating with smooth, precise and controlled movements. I have over 14,000 miles of seat time, completed 2 Track Days, and was a flag marshal for Valentino Rossi’s last race at COTA in 2021! After checking these goals off “My List”, something was still missing! Every week, I’d go to IAH to watch airliners take-off and land, relaxing to the sound of engines roaring as they pass. I’d look up and say “that’s so cool! I wish I could do that”. For me, regardless of all the things I’ve set out to do and accomplished, being a pilot was still unobtainable for a “person like me”. However, this year something changed—I met a pilot. We began discussing aviation, particularly, his goal to fly a fighter jet. I was so impressed by his determination and immediately knew that I wanted to share my love and dreams of aviation with him. I told him I wanted to be a pilot but that I was too old—that time passed me by. I began making excuses (once again) that I couldn’t do it. He stopped me—encouraged me to pursue it, and not to give up on the idea, but to make it a reality. I spoke to my sister about being a pilot and she excitedly said “DO IT!”. She began pouring her support and excitement into me, explaining that I would be perfect for the career. Why didn’t I ever express my dreams about this to her? I thought I was alone in my aspiration to fly, because I isolated myself from my own abilities. I always had support from her that I never tapped into because I told myself that I couldn’t do it! Suddenly, a blaze was lit under me! I CAN DO THIS! I read about Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American female to obtain her International Pilot license. Her barriers and courage all kindled that fire in me. I researched Sisters of the Skies, and want to be a part of their organization, thereby mentoring young girls who have the same aspirations I do and give them what they need. I’ve accomplished many things, but with flying, I’ve been at a standstill. It has been a lonely road, but I believe these barriers (even the ones I’ve created for myself) have strengthened me. It has taken many years to obtain this level of confidence, in order to be the type of pilot I’d like to become! If I win this scholarship, it will bring me closer to obtaining my Airline Pilot License and to be included in the 7% of pilots who are female! Thank you so much for your consideration and for allowing me to share my aspirations with you.