ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

What is your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give us a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I am currently a senior at the University of Maryland, and will be graduating in May 2020. I joined the Air Force ROTC program during the spring semester of my sophomore year of college. After many trials and tribulations, my application competed in this year's "Rated Boards" and I was selected for a pilot slot. What this means is, after I graduate in May of 2020 I will be going off to the Air Force's Undergraduate Pilot Training at one of three bases in the U.S., and will train to become an Air Force Pilot.

What skills do you need to do the work you just described?

To be an Air Force pilot you need to have a college degree and gain many flying hours at Undergraduate Pilot Training. This training is about 1.5 years long, and then depending on the aircraft in which you are selected to pilot you have additional training. You need to have a strong understanding of aerodynamics, the physics of aircraft, weather, radio communication skills, etc. and have very fast coordination in order to be multi-tasking while you fly.

Please describe any experiences at Westlake High School that influenced your career decision?

While I was a senior at Westlake High School, the internship which I chose to partake in was at the Westchester County Airport. I had decided I wanted to study Aerospace Engineering during 9th grade, so my internship helped to give me another perspective of the aviation industry. I had such an incredible experience, learned so much, had my first flight in a single-engine plane, and continued to go back to work at the airport as an Operations Coordinator during any period of time in which I was home in the area.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I am terrified of heights, but in airplanes that fear goes away. I absolutely love being up in the air. I began flying in the summer of 2017 in Williamsport, PA where I interned at an aircraft engine company (Textron Systems: Lycoming Engines) and was able to obtain my Private Pilot's License. I continue to fly Cessna 172 aircraft in my free time, and on flight simulators at my college's Air Force ROTC detachment.

What advice do you have for students interested in going into your field?

Work hard! Engineering is a very difficult, but rewarding field. You may have your moments of doubt but keep pushing through and remembering why you chose to study it. Find your passion! My passion for aircraft, as well as serving my country, is what pushes me every single day to continue working hard to achieve my goals. If you find your passion and work toward it, achieving it will one day feel so incredible and will make all of the work, stress, decisions, etc. worth it!