Christopher Walton
Age: 19
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
School: The Ohio State University
Graduation Year: 2029
“Growing up, I never really saw African American pilots, so now my passion has grown into something bigger than just for myself. I want to show others that look like me that it’s possible to have a successful career within aviation”
About Me:
Hello! My name is Christopher Walton and I’m a rising sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Air Transportation with a minor in Communications. At Ohio State, I’m a member of both the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and the Aviation Management Organization. In my free time I love to watch sports (especially the Bears!), and spend time with friends and family. It’s a blessing to be a Tuskegee NEXT cadet and I can’t wait to earn my private pilot certificate and continue honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen throughout the rest of my aviation career!
Why are you passionate about aviation?
Since I was around five years old, I’ve been passionate about aviation. I’ve always been very interested in planes and of course, the view from the air is unbelievable. Being someone who loves traveling, aviation gives me the opportunity to travel the world and be exposed to the various cultures and experiences that different destinations have to offer. Growing up, I never really saw African American pilots, so now my passion has grown into something bigger than just for myself. I want to show others that look like me that it’s possible to have a successful career within aviation
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT to join a family of other smart and dedicated individuals that share my passion for aviation. Also, the Tuskegee Airmen have been a major inspiration in my aviation journey so far so I wanted to continue honoring them by joining this program. I value exposing underrepresented communities to the aviation industry and Tuskegee NEXT gives me the opportunity to do that. Because of all that, I knew that this was an incredible opportunity that also gives me a chance to make lifelong connections that I could not pass up. I heard about this program from research that my mom and I had done looking for local aviation scholarships. I was also introduced to it from the OBAP chapter at Ohio State
What are your future aviation aspirations?
My future aviation aspirations are to be a pilot for United Airlines. I also want to continue honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by being a role model and showing underrepresented individuals ways to become involved within the aviation industry.
Fun Fact:
I’ve wanted to be a pilot since I was 5!
Quote:
“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there” -Bo Jackson