From Athlete to Pilot by Derek

From Athlete to Pilot by Derek - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

I have always loved a challenge on the football field, on the basketball court, or on the golf course. In football, I had a go-ahead touchdown grab in the quarter-final state tournament game. I saw the ball coming and exploded up to catch the ball. In basketball, my teammates and I knew we had to step up at the state tournament after one of our seniors fouled out if we wanted a chance to win the state semi-final game against the West Central Area Knights. We won the game in triple overtime and advanced to the championship game. In golf, we made it to the state tournament my freshman year, and I birdied three holes in a row to secure our first-ever state win as a school. My choice to pursue an aviation degree at the University of North Dakota centers around challenge and adventure.

The skills I’ve learned in playing high school sports have helped prepare me for an aviation career. A pilot must be a team player. I've been on many teams and worked with many people. Some were excellent role models and showed me how to make people better. Sports have shown me that success isn’t about individual talent; it’s about making others better around me. No one can succeed alone. It takes every member of the team to contribute. A pilot must think quickly and make decisions in difficult situations. In basketball, I must decide quickly to take the shot or pass the ball to a teammate. Our basketball team takes pride in playing tough defense. Sometimes the quick choice to deny the ball or step over to help a teammate can mean the difference between a defensive stop or an easy layup. A pilot must be a leader and work well as part of the team. My sports teams have been successful, and I know how to motivate people and make the team better. Some teammates need me to pick them up when their confidence wavers and others need me to fire them up. A pilot must be confident, positive, and self-disciplined. In golf, I am in charge of my round. I have to be confident I will make every shot. After golf practice, I spend hours practicing every aspect of my game. My teammates and I are usually at the course long after the coach leaves. We are often there until we can't see the ball anymore because we want to get better. Pilots must practice hard, too.
I come from a small town. High school sports have allowed me to excel in my community, but I want to excel at a higher level. An aviation career will allow me to meet new people and explore new places. I flew for the first time to Washington, D.C., on a Close-Up trip through my school. I loved the experience. The thrill of the flight was amazing. I also enjoyed traveling and seeing another part of the United States.
I know that a day in the life of a pilot involves enormous challenges. I feel excited and ready to take on a new challenge. I will set goals and work hard to achieve them.