I was about a year and a half when I first went to California to visit my uncle and his family. Since then, my childhood was filled with many long flights out west, unforgettable memories, and fascinating views from 35,000 feet. My favorite part about flying was always when I got to see the flight deck and speak to the pilots and flight attendants. I would wear my little wings proudly but never thought it was a world I could be a part of.

As I got older, I set my sights on the military. You could not tell me that I was not going to be a fighter pilot; until the Air Force told me that for medical reasons I couldn’t. So instead, I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, and then a master's in Urban Policy and Administration and entered the workforce.

One day the life I built came to an unexpected end and I was left having to start over. Not knowing what my next step should be, I remembered my love for aviation as a child. I took the leap and became a flight attendant. Immediately I knew I wasn’t going to be satisfied. I felt the need, the need for speed. I couldn’t chase down Migs like in one of my favorite movies, but I could be one of the people I looked forward to meeting every other summer when visiting California. I could be an airline pilot.

I dove headfirst into the research and was scared off initially by the price tag, much like I was at 17 when I wanted to get my undergraduate degree at Embry Riddle. I was rebuilding and couldn’t take the risk at the time. But the dream wouldn’t die. So I kept looking for a way, and soon enough I was accepted into United’s Aviate Academy. One major hurdle remains; funding. So I reach out to the GoFundMe community for assistance. Any amount that you can spare would mean the world to me. And hopefully, one day I can return the favor by taking you on your next adventure.