Hello everyone. My name is Beiona Birmingham and I am currently a first-generation, low-income student at a University, studying Computer Engineering. I’ve worked tirelessly, balancing two jobs and putting in 20-30 hours each week. To recharge from my demanding schedule and coursework, I find joy and renewal by making music with my University’s Marching Band.

College has been a new kind of stage. One where I began to rewrite the narrative of who I want to be. It has given me the space to step back from expectations and explore paths I never imagined for myself.

With access to new possibilities, I felt an electric pull that was sparked by aircraft, avionics, and the awe of flight. I saw a future where I could fuse my foundation in Computer Engineering with my growing desire to be in the air, navigating not just the mechanics of machines, but the vastness of the sky. It was the first time in a long time that a goal felt like my own. Once I graduate from University I plan to work in avionics while building my flight hours to become an Airline Pilot.

This dream of mine is very costly. I must acquire at least my Private Pilot's License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). I will then go on to get my Certified Flight Instructor License (CFI) to build flight time and to help others achieve their dreams as well.

The initial license, PPL, is what I am currently getting lessons for. My estimated cost is $16,700 for my Private Pilot License.

GoFundMe recommends starting with a smaller goal to encourage early support, but my full training costs is around $60,000 when considering the other licensures and ratings that I must obtain. As donations come in, gofundme updates the goal to reflect the total need.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward my lessons, exams, and the resources I need to succeed. Your generosity will help me take flight ✈️.

Thank you for believing in my dream.