Pursuing Aviation Service by Henry

Pursuing Aviation Service by Henry - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

I understand that the freedoms we enjoy today are never free. My father and grandfather have incredible stories about their time in the military, where they developed discipline and important lifelong skills. They are the smartest, strongest men I know; I want nothing more than to serve my country just as they did, and to live up to this legacy of service.
When I was 12, I read a book about the Battle of Midway during World War II. I was fascinated by the planes and aircraft carriers, and became eager to learn more about our military history. Then at 15, I saw F-18 Super Hornets up close when I visited Naval Air Station Oceana, and was captivated. I was fortunate to then witness the jets flying in formation, and practicing for air shows. Visiting an operational military base cemented my dream to become a military pilot. I started reaching out to pilots who are currently flying for the navy, who frequently talk about the technical knowledge, and discipline required to become a naval aviator. Over time, I’ve been lucky to visit more operational Naval Air Stations, and interact with the military aviation community. To this day, talking to Naval Aviators makes me want to become one more and more.
In order to help me achieve this dream, I came to study Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. This scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to remain on this path, and pay for my room and board here at Virginia Tech, which has only increased over the past couple of years. I’m grateful to be able to take advantage of the numerous, amazing opportunities while I am here. As part of the Navy ROTC and Corps of Cadets, I receive daily, specialized leadership training. Furthermore, Virginia Tech Engineering has enjoyable, Aerospace related, classes such as Aerodynamics, Compressible Structures, Thermodynamics, and Aerospace design class. In addition to these phenomenal programs, the opportunity to study with other invested students is the best part of the college environment for me. I’ve made close friendships through these rigorous classes and intense training that is unlike any other. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a tight-knit, disciplined environment with my peers where we all support each other in pursuing aviation. Many of my friendships are built on our common goal to one day serve others before ourselves in the aviation community. I hope that going forward, I will experience a similar type of comradery in an aviation squadron in the future.
Although my lifelong dream is to become a pilot, the journey has also provided me the opportunity to serve my country like my family before me, build world-class leadership skills, obtain a rigorous STEM education, and become an outstanding officer. I’m grateful that my journey to become a pilot is also making me a well-rounded, educated person. One day, I hope to have the opportunity to guide other Hokies along this path, and provide the inspiration to pursue aviation that was once given to me.