My last year at Skyborne has been great. I’ve made a lot of new friends whom I would consider my second family here. Since I’ve been here, I’ve earned my PPL (Private Pilot’s License) and also my instrument rating. I’m currently working on my CPL (Commercial Pilot’s License), which I should receive before the month of January is over. I’m really looking forward to that the most because, at that point, I’ll be able to get paid as a professional pilot and also feel like one. But like anything, it’s not easy. There’s a lot to learn, especially the ins and outs of meteorology, aeronautical decision-making, professionalism, stick-and-rudder skills, and the technical aspects of your aircraft. When it comes to the flying part of flight training, it can be difficult to actually get in the air due to factors like weather, plane availability, and maintenance issues. However, despite all of this, when you pass a checkride — which is the final test for the stage you’re on — it’s a huge achievement. Depending on how it goes, you’ll earn that rating or license you’ve been working toward, and there’s always both an oral and flight portion. I like to think that the preparation and progress you make are more important than the end result. When the checkride finally comes, being able to answer most questions without hesitation and getting feedback like, “You didn’t miss anything” from the examiner shows that you came prepared and put in the effort. Also, after each checkride pass, my second family and I go out to celebrate, whether it’s hanging out or going out to eat. It’s a great feeling. I’m glad I’m pursuing this career, and I’m excited for what’s to come. But as of right now I am on Holiday break so I am going to enjoy it with my family Ciao!

I would say that my fall semester/life has been unique because I spent most of it working. I spent my time working at the Martha's Vineyard Airport and the Edgartown Fire Department because my flight school situation was me just playing the waiting game. I felt the best decision for me to make was to work and make money until I heard back from my flight school and received a start date. Once I finished working at the airport I figured I’d take a vacation and take a load off because in early July I was working pretty much seven days a week long shifts so, that's what I did I enjoyed it. I went to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and spent three and a half weeks with family and friends and just enjoyed the memories that were creating. That trip lasted from October 12th - to November 10th, so when I came back to the Vineyard I was still working/volunteering at the Edgartown Fire Department, I would work overnight shifts and I'd pick when I wanted to work so I enjoyed that I still had time to myself during the day. I would work out 3-5 times a week in the afternoon and then I’d have enough time to go home make dinner and eat at home then head to work for 6 hours. Being a volunteer firefighter, for the most part, was fun and I was able to learn from different individuals whether it was about work or anything life-related. I’ve been on multiple medical runs, alarm runs, car accidents, and I went to my first structure fire a few days before I left on December 21st. So now I'm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at my brother's house hanging out because my start date to attend Skyborne Airline Academy is February 5th and I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life.