Hello Risers,
Most people brag that they have been interested in aviation since a young child. Their parents or grandparents were pilots and they knew all their life that is exactly what they were going to be! However, that was not the case for me. My father wasn’t a pilot, nor anyone that I personally knew. I knew nothing about the aviation industry growing up except that you could buy a plane ticket, board an aircraft, and travel to your destination. I stumbled into aviation…literally!
My Story
Growing up, my mother switched career fields often. At one point she was studying to be a nurse. I remember her bringing home nursing books. In particular, I remember looking through this huge book full of pills. Each page was so colorful with pictures of pills and hard to pronounce words. At that moment, I knew that I would become a pharmacist! Ha, its funny thinking back on it. There is no way in the world my personality would settle for pharmacist!
Anyhow, after I graduated from high school; I attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). I had my next six years already planned out. I would attend UNO for the next four years then attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for their Pharm-D program. I was determined to succeed. Boy, did life prove me wrong. I struggled in chemistry. Although I was superb at in high school, I was not in college. I remember driving to class one day, uneasy and frustrated because I was not learning what I needed to. That is when I saw this billboard to join the Air Force. And that is exactly what I did.
I joined the United States Air Force in 2005 as an Aerospace Medical Technician. It changed my life, yet this is still not the point where I stumbled into aviation. I was sort of part of the military aviation sector but as a medic. I hated being a medic. The hours were long and the job was disgusting. From changing bed pans to stitching up faces, it just wasn’t the job for me! So, I did my enlistment and I returned to the civilian world.
Now I was a veteran with skills that only qualified me to drive an ambulance as an EMT-Basic. I knew I had to further my education, but in what? I had no clue what I wanted to do or what career field I wanted to enter. Although, I knew the medical field was not for me. My mother, whom is a child therapist, suggested I try psychology. So, I re-applied to UNO and took 3 years of psych studies only to realize I was bored and not content. I recall my advisor asking me what I would write my psychology thesis on. I answered, “I dunno.” She advised I walk around the campus and check out other departments.
Then it happened. I entered the newly built College of Public Affairs and Community Service building. I had no clue inside this building lied the University’s Aviation Institute. As I walked down the halls, I was entranced by the photographs and trophies inside the display cases. Photos of young men with big smiles on their faces standing in front of red and white Cessna aircrafts. As I attempted to turn left with my face still facing right, I tripped and stumbled in the doorway of the aviation institute. This is truly where my life changed. I had stumbled and met my first love (like in the romance movies)!
The woman at the front desk asked me if I was okay. I was okay, but acted as if I was sore as there were a group of men in the waiting area who all looked at me crazy. I thought pretending I was hurt would yield me some compassion. Once that awkwardness was over, I asked, “what is the aviation institute?” Not realizing that made it even more awkward! To make a long story short, I was given a pamphlet and switched my major the  following day to a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation. This is where my journey to rise truly began!
My Advice
Please, do not do as I did, and literally fall on your face just to change career fields. If you are interested in entering the aviation industry, here are my tips!
- Research                                                                                Study up on what it is you would like to do… whether it’s a pilot, aircraft mechanic, or air traffic controller. Research the Internet, subscribe to an aviation blog or magazine, or read newspaper articles. Search salaries, work life, and what certifications are required. The more you search, the more you will learn.
- Network                                                                                 Meet other people who share your interest. Most do this via social media. If you have a Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account; you can easily hashtag “aviation.” This can also be done by finding local aviation conferences or attending an airshow. The more like-minded people you meet, the better your chances are to succeed.
- Plan                                                                      Locate an aviation school specific to your specialized training in aviation. Visit the school and speak with the instructors to make sure it is the right fit for you. Some aviation schools have tools and resources to help you get your foot in the door upon completion. Other things to consider may be cost and location.                               Speaking of cost, it is very important to create a financial plan! Plan how you will secure funds for your training. Will you use or does the school have financial aid? Or, will you take out a loan, or borrow from a family member?
- Go for it!                                                                    Lastly, just go for it! Once you’ve done your research, met friends/mentors, located a school and established funds; schedule your first flight or class date. Follow your dream, enjoy yourself, but work hard! Most importantly, continue to rise!
#ContinueToRise
0 Comments