Hello, let’s Rise and Shine!
Once I found out that flying was my true love I had to make a decision. I decided that no matter what or how long it took…I would become a pilot. However, my reasoning to be a pilot is not the same as everyone else. Don’t be mistaken…I love to be in the sky – that feeling of excitement you get is unexplainable. I also love to travel, which is what pilots primarily do. I simply even love the official title “pilot,” as though I achieved something great (How Doctors love to say its Dr. So-and-so)! Nonetheless, the real reason I want to fly is not even for me.
My Story
You see, once I decided I wanted to fly and learned all that it encompassed, I knew I would need help. I needed help spiritually, mentally, and definitely financially. Although, I had no clue who to turn to. I had never seen a woman pilot before (until my senior year in college), let alone a black one. Who could I turn to for advice? Who could mentor me? Throughout this journey I felt alone. The people who were willing to help me, looked nothing like me, and it really hurt my confidence. Could a lil ol’ black girl like me really learn to fly? It wasn’t until my Women in Aviation class that I learned I could. By then I had already wasted valuable funds, missed out on scholarship opportunities, etc.
Eventually, I found an African-American flight instructor (in Nebraska at that) who wasn’t a woman but still encouraged me beyond measure to not give up. Then I met an African-American woman who trained with the Blue Angels whom happened to be a single mother. She inspired me beyond reason and showed me no matter my situation – it can be done. In addition, I did a research paper while obtaining my bachelors degree on the Marine Corps First Combat Pilot who was an African-American woman! She sparked a fire in me that I will continue to yearn for. Owing to the fact that these individuals were representations of me, it gave me hope.
So there you have it. My reasons that I want to fly is to give others like me hope too. Because I never want another beautiful young African-American girl to believe she can’t do this. I want her to know there are many women who look just like us that have succeeded. I want those young women to know we can do anything we want, be anything we want, and go anywhere we want!. We too can rise!
My Advice
Determine why it is you want to enter the aviation industry. Yes, the job is exciting! There are opportunities to travel the world, meet new people, and work in one of the most advanced and growing industry. However, what is your underlying factor? Your “it” reason is what will keep you motivated!
Once you figure it out, write it down. Then post it on your wall, on your mirror, in your car. Post it wherever you will see it most! Then, go for it! There are so many other people who followed their dreams by locating their passion within this industry! You can too! So, let’s rise!
#ContinueToRise
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