The Industry Wasn't Made for Me by Madison

The Industry Wasn't Made for Me by Madison - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

I am Madison Akridge, a rising sophomore at Purdue University, currently pursuing my major in Professional Flight Technology. I stand not just as an individual engrossed in the ways of the air but as a young woman determined to blaze trails for others within the aviation industry.

Like many young children, I was enamored with the concept of flight - the sheer power of defying gravity, the thrill of speed, and the euphoric joy of watching the world shrink beneath you. This enduring fascination nudged me towards my decision to delve into an Aviation major. But as I began to navigate this journey, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a profoundly personal and influential reason to continue: to challenge and reshape the inherently unjust systems within this industry.

Living the life of a woman aviator in a male-dominated industry, one becomes acutely aware of the bias entrenched in its systems. I felt this profoundly due to an adverse reaction to birth control medication, vividly illustrating the lack of understanding and provision for reproductive health issues within aviation medicine - a field dominated and primarily tailored to men's physiological needs. This incident was a poignant reminder of the deeply entrenched inequalities across this industry, built primarily by men, for men, without the adequate consideration of women.

Yet, it is not enough to merely acknowledge these issues. The power to affect change truly lies in concerted action. My aforementioned experience has broadened my motivation to pursue my academic and career goals. I am not just learning to fly anymore; I am working to ascend beyond the existing barriers of gender that limit and shape the female experience in aviation. Now, more than ever, I am determined to amplify the presence and influence of women in the field.

The process of staying focused on these goals has been fuelled by my inherent love for the craft as well as the broader mission to bring about substantial change within the industry. I reorganize my energy around both achieving academic excellence, reflected in my consistent GPA of 4, and developing a deeper understanding of gender dynamics within the aviation industry. I constantly remind myself that every assignment, research project, or flight simulator practice that I undertake contributes to a larger purpose - enabling a safer, more inclusive space for all women in the aviation industry.

I am aware of the enormous weight this journey carries; it extends beyond my individual aspirations, reaching out to all the young women looking up to what was traditionally the male-dominated skies, aspiring to shatter the glass ceiling. While the educational and career path in aviation can be challenging and at times turbulent, the essence of flying while fostering inclusivity is the propelling force behind my pursuits.

Pursuing a scholarship will not only support my individual educational journey but also represent a stride towards broadening participation of women within this industry. It is my pledge that I shall utilize this support to advance my education and future career with unwavering dedication, focusing actively on diminishing these inequities.

In conclusion, I am an aviator at heart and an activist by situation - navigating the skies and uncovering the uncharted territories of fertile ground for gender equity, I am motivated to fly and transform, one flight at a time.