Teen's passion for aviation soars with GovState and D14’s program
Inspires his little brother
By Michelle Sebasco, Director of Academic Partnerships and Continuing Education, Guest Writer, with contributions from Lisa Zeigler, Director of Grant Initiatives and Outreach
In a world where finding the right fit for education can be a challenge, one teenager's journey to pursue his passion for aviation has taken flight in unexpected ways, bringing him to Governors State University (GovState).
At a local counseling center, 17-year-old Miguel stumbled upon a program that he initially thought would just be "fun," but it turned out to be a life-changing experience. Miguel quickly realized the program's potential to pave the way for his future career aspirations. "I think I have a lot of experience for a career if I want to pursue aviation in the future," he says.
Miguel learned to fly and gained invaluable insights into the world of aviation. His school district 205 partnered with GovState’s School of Extended Learning/ D14 Aviation Program to provide the opportunity for Miguel.
"I want to be a cargo pilot. If I can't be a cargo pilot, I want to do crop dusting because I have some family in Kentucky that have fields," he explains.
With a few hours logged in his pilot's logbook, Miguel has already gained valuable experience. "I was taught how to take the plane out and to land the plane. I've only flown a little bit, but [I have] about like 3 or 4 hours," he shares eagerly.
Supporting Miguel every step of the way is his mom, who beams with pride as she reflects on her son's journey. "He's very smart, and he did need something that actually would keep his attention and keep him interested, and this was it," she says.
As a single mother, she acknowledges the challenges but is grateful for the positive impact the program has had on Miguel. "Now, he just keeps pursuing this, and it's just something that keeps him busy and, you know, keeps him out of trouble," she shares. “Gotta keep the boys out of trouble.”
Reflecting on Miguel's journey from childhood to adolescence, his mom remembers his early fascination with aviation. "In school, like every year he had to do presentations, he chose the Wright brothers," she says, amazed. “I didn't think that he would ever be able to do something like this.”
As the conversation turns to Miguel's younger brother, his mom muses about the possibility of him following in his brother's footsteps. "That would be great, right?" she says with a smile.
Amid Miguel's soaring aspirations, there's a quiet observer—his little brother, 15-year-old Cruz. Just a few years younger, Cruz looks up to Miguel, inspired by his brother's passion for aviation.
While Cruz may not fully grasp the complexities of aviation just yet, his admiration for Miguel is palpable. "My big brother is really cool. He's learning how to fly planes," says Cruz.
With dreams of one day joining his brother in the sky, Cruz listens to Miguel's stories of flying adventures and eagerly awaits the day when he can follow in his brother's footsteps. As Miguel's passion for aviation continues to inspire those around him, Cruz stands as a testament to the power of dreams and the impact of familial support. Together, they navigate the skies of ambition, each fueled by the other's unwavering belief in their potential.