Applying to Tuskegee NEXT was never in my plans until I first heard the name a couple of months ago. Jessica Vargas, a graduate of Tuskegee allowed me to earn my license uniquely and, at the same time, help me become a wholesome individual in the journey. Tuskegee will not only be something that happens in the summer of 2022, but I feel supported in my journey in Aviation.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because there is no better way to spend my summer than to fully immerse myself in aviation and connect with like minds. Tuskegee NEXT specifically appealed to me because of its dedication to honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and making aviation more accessible to those who are underrepresented.

I chose to apply to this program to allow myself to grow and take advantage of this opportunity to obtain my private pilot certification in addition to also learning additional life skills. I also hope that it will help me become more confident in my abilities. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to be around “like-minded individuals”, who share the same goals and aspirations as myself, which will also allow me to push myself and others. This program gives us the opportunity to achieve all that we have planned for ourselves and by doing this, we can be proud of ourselves and honor the legacy of the Tuskegee airmen.

I choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because the program gives you an opportunity to receive your Private Pilot Certification. Which is a huge first step to starting your Aviation career. Also, I receive an experience of a lifetime.

My long-term goal is to become an airline pilot and entrepreneur. After receiving my private pilot license, I plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in communications at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While I am working on my degree, I plan to create my own business in order to cover the rest of my aviation training after college. After graduation, I will continue my flight training to get the remaining ratings and licenses as required to be a commercial pilot. I plan to continue my career at the airlines. I hope to use this opportunity to also learn the ins and outs of a commercial airlines company, so that I may own and operate the first Black airline. 

Tuskegee NEXT is the ultimate example of what aligns with my values thanks to their mission and the incredible chance to obtain a Private Pilots Certificate.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because it seemed like a great opportunity to become more involved with the aviation industry, and also to attain my Private Pilot Certificate.

I chose to apply for Tuskegee NEXT because I dared to be great. Tuskegee Next is a well-polished program that is grounded on great morals and excellence, everything this program stands for I believe is the right passage I need to become successful.

The main reason why I applied to the Tuskegee NEXT program is to honor and carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman. Also, to prove to myself I can overcome an immense challenge of getting my license in reference to the challenges the Tuskegee Airmen faced.

Upon taking control of my first aircraft, I knew flying would always be a part of my life. Considering the cost of flying, I sought opportunities to ensure I always had the means to advance my flying career.

I applied to Tuskegee NEXT to help me take a step forward in my career, meet others like me, and hopefully help to answer my question on how I can actually complete my life-long goals.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I believe that my aspirations align with the Tuskegee NEXT mission statement. The Tuskegee Airmen worked hard and overcame many obstacles, unfortunately many of those obstacles still remain, such as lack of black aviators. Tuskegee NEXT is a great program and I am blessed to be a cadet.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I knew it would be a great learning experience while also being able to get closer to my goals in aviation. The Tuskegee NEXT program is also a big inspiration for me and my plans for the future. It’s also an honor to be a part of the legacy that the Tuskegee airmen left behind and I know that I am more than qualified to do so, not only in aviation but in everyday life.

During the 2022 summer, I participated in OBAP’s Solo flight Academy and I can say that during those 2 weeks, I made some of my best memories and encountered a lot of truly amazing aviators. When I heard that there was a similar program taking place in the 2023 summer, I simply could not resist. My dream has always been to be a pilot and the opportunity to spend a summer learning how to fly with other black student pilots was one I simply could not pass up.

I applied to Tuskegee Next because I love anything aviation. I had multiple mentors refer me to Tuskegee Next, and I knew this was an opportunity for me to fully dive into aviation education and help others. Learning aviation topics individually can be difficult, so learning in a group environment was another major appeal to me.

My ultimate goal is to become an Airline pilot and carry forward the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen as an inspiration for others. I'm also passionate about giving back to my community by creating opportunities in aviation for underrepresented youth.

My future aviation aspirations are to become a pilot and give back! It is my dream to be able to fly for a career, corporate or airlines! I hope to also own my very own airplane and with it, the ability to show my friends and family the world! Most importantly, becoming a mentor and giving back to my community, just like what has been done for me. I hope to make an impact in my community, one pair of wings at a time.

My goal is to commission into the Air Force with a pilot slot. To be competitive for a pilot slot, I should have high scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, Air Force Test of Basic Aviation Skills, and forty flight hours. Participating in Tuskegee NEXT would allow me to earn those flight hours and build a strong foundation of aviation knowledge to score highly on the AFOQT and TBAS.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I am determined to become a pilot, and this program offers the perfect opportunity to begin achieving my goal. I first learned about the Tuskegee NEXT program a year ago during my time at the OBAP Dallas ACE Academy, where two representatives presented information about it. Uncertain about my chances of acceptance, I applied as soon as I could to ensure I did not miss out on this incredible opportunity. Fortunately, I was accepted. While I am nervous about starting the training, I am more excited about the new opportunities and the amazing people I will have the chance to meet.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I would be granted the ability to be a part of a legacy of greatness, enabling myself to be in the image of the Tuskegee Airmen as a dedicated, determined, and resilient individual. Earning my Private Pilot certification over the summer would also help me tremendously in my career pathway of becoming a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines. I would also be able to enjoy the entire summer surrounded by like-minded aviators, granting me the ability to engage in professional collaborations and exchanges of knowledge. I heard about the program through various OBAP members within my university.