"It feels like a dream (to be flying with a major airline). It is nice to fly a bigger plane to more exciting destinations."
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Aviation Flight
Graduation Year: 2017
Current Job Title: First Officer at Alaska Airlines (since July 2023)
Former Job Title: Flight Instructor at CBU
Life at CBU
Why did you want to become a pilot?
I did not always want to become a pilot, but I have always loved to travel. My first
year at CBU was the first year of the flight program. I became friends with some of
the flight students, and they told me about how they got to fly during class. I thought
it was very cool. I talked with my mom's friend who was a pilot at American Airlines,
and she explained the process to me. I decided I wanted to try it. The summer after
my freshman year I took my first flight in a small plane and loved it.
How did CBU aviation help you build an ethical foundation and strong work ethic?
CBU helped me to have integrity in everything I do. It taught me to be respectful
to others I work with and always try to be a positive influence in the work environment.
It taught me to work hard and have good time management, which has helped me pass
airline training and be successful in my career.
Life after CBU
As an early graduate of the program, do you feel you are paving the way for others?
Most of the students become instructors and give back by training other students and
being good examples. I would hope I am doing well to give back and help students reach
their goals like I reached mine. It takes a lot of years of hard work and dedication
to become an airline pilot, but it is worth it.
How does it feel to be with a major airline?
It feels like a dream. It is nice to fly a bigger plane to more exciting destinations.