Why I Want to Become a Pilot by Kyria

Why I Want to Become a Pilot by Kyria - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

On a cold winter day, I stood in front of the dark, heavy door of the principal’s office and gazed at my feet. I didn’t have winter boots-my mother couldn’t afford them-and so the thin mesh of my sparkly tennis shoes was soaked with melted snow. I was in front of the principal’s office, but I wasn’t in trouble. I didn’t get in trouble; although I didn’t consider myself shy at the time, just thoughtful, I was undeniably a reserved and timid child who liked to read a little too much. So in front of the principal’s office, I thought of the brave characters in my books. Even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, they managed to be courageous.
Thinking of them, I lifted my red hands and knocked on the door. The principal, kinder than I had imagined, listened intently as I told her my idea. Although it was difficult for me, I explained how my family struggled with affording food and winter clothes and how I would like to help other families who are struggling. Since that cold winter day in second grade, I have helped hundreds of families attain food and winter clothes for their children. Throughout my life, I have continued to strive to positively impact the world around me.
In addition to living in a poor, single-parent household, I grew up surrounded by mental health struggles. My mother has struggled with Major Depressive Disorder and addiction for my entire life, and my brother has been in and out of four psychiatric hospitals due to debilitating anxiety, OCD, and depression. My family’s struggles have often meant that I have had to not only be independent at a young age but also that I have had to be responsible for supporting my family while continuing to have ambition for my future.
Starting at the age of 14, I began working as many hours as I could at a fast-food restaurant in order to keep us afloat. Although I had to walk 25 minutes there and back even in the harsh Wisconsin winters, I knew that it was worth it if it meant that I could help my family. This experience has taught me the value of responsibility and the importance of devoting yourself to others.
Throughout my high school career, I have been able to excel academically while helping to support my family, volunteering, and being an active member of numerous extracurriculars. Attending college and becoming a pilot, and therefore escaping generational poverty, is one of my greatest ambitions in life. One day, I will have the means to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged girls who dream of becoming a pilot. Growing up in poverty and surrounded by mental health struggles has allowed me to have the perseverance and ambition to strive not only for my success but for the success of others.
I plan on majoring in Flight Operations at the University of Dubuque. Through this program, I hope to earn a valuable education as well as earn my wings. I will finally achieve my dream; I will finally see the product of my years of hard work, struggle, and poverty. When I am a pilot at a major airline, I will utilize my leadership skills to inspire women and young girls to achieve their dreams.
The hardships that I have endured throughout my life have not hindered me or my aspirations; rather, they have fueled my drive for success. Becoming a pilot means much more to me than being able to see the world; it means that my hard work and ambition will allow me to earn the success and means to truly make a difference in the world.