Sophia's Story

My whole life I have never known what I wanted to do for a career. In college, I switched from major to major but nothing ever felt right. I went from wanting to be a Lawyer to a Journalist to an Environmental Scientist.

The summer after my sophomore year, my brother decided he wanted to take a discovery flight to become a pilot. My dad is a Captain for Southwest so being a pilot was always an option my brother and I thought about. I never thought I could be a pilot though, it seemed so intense and I didn’t think I could do it. Both my mom and dad always told me they could see me becoming a pilot, but I never entertained the idea.

Until this past summer, July of 2022. I text my dad when he was on a trip telling him I wanted to take a discovery flight and the first thing he said was “Alright Captain.” I was nervous but ultimately excited to try something new. After my first discovery flight, I fell in love with flying. It was different from anything I have ever done and a challenge that I loved. Now, I am working towards getting my Private Pilots License with the end goal of becoming an Airline Pilot. I have always wanted a career that traveled because I love traveling, and what better career to do that than a pilot?

I know this journey will be challenging and there is a lot to learn before I become an Airline Pilot, but I am up for the challenge and excited to see what the future holds.

My advice to any young aviators is to not let fear overtake your life! It can be scary and quite challenging when first learning to fly but in the end it will all pay off. Push through the fear and go outside of your comfort zone a little bit. Remember why you started and what you are working towards. There is no better feeling than flying!!

Sophia, 20

Student Pilot

Illinois