I decided to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I wanted to be around others working towards the same goal of becoming pilots. I heard about Tuskegee NEXT during Service at Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, I knew it was a divine appointment.

I learned about Tuskegee Next from participating in the OBAP Solo Flight Academy in the summer of 2022. I applied to Tuskegee Next because it would put me one step closer to my goal of becoming an airline pilot.

After earning my aviation science degree from Texas Southern, I plan to become an airline pilot. Hopefully, I’ll get to fly for United so I can fly with my dad one day as he is also a United pilot. I also want to start a program that spreads awareness about aviation in underprivileged black and brown communities. This will be catered especially towards young women in an effort to diversify the cockpit in years to come.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

I chose to apply because I was referred by two FedEx captains, Norman Seawright and Ray Robinson. There is no other opportunity like this one. Tuskegee NEXT has given me so much confidence in this aviation workforce, industry, and in myself.

I was originally introduced to Tuskegee NEXT via Aerostars, I was inspired by their honor to give back, to represent what is, and is to come. I took initiative to apply for Tuskegee NEXT to make our goals become a reality. I am ready to embrace a new chapter of life and ride the next waves of youth in minority aviation. In addition, I too wish to represent my community and what they stand for.

I applied to become part of the second-ever class and found myself in one of the most life-changing experiences I would ever have. That summer, I fell in love with spectacular aircraft and the ability to pilot them. When I returned to school that fall, everything changed for the better. Through being involved with these organizations, aviation has taught me lessons about academic excellence, dedication, determination, and the importance of how I must pass it along.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because of the opportunity that it provides me. It puts me that much closer to my dreams, but also relieves me of the financial burden that can come with obtaining a pilot license. Additionally, this program carries the name of the greatest group of military aviators and my heroes, the Tuskegee Airmen and I really wanted to be a part of the program.

I was first introduced to the Tuskegee NEXT Program while in OBAP and again by Xavier Samuels while attending TSU. When I visited the Tuskegee NEXT website for myself and chose to apply because I felt this program could help fulfill the next step in my journey, by providing a pathway to obtaining my private pilot license. I consider it a privilege to take part in a program that honors the great legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. It is an honor, to walk in the footsteps of men I’ve held in such high esteem since I was a young child.

Many summer opportunities helped me visualize my aviation journey. However, the most influential experience was being interviewed and selected by my mentor, Delta Airlines’ Flight Instructor, Branden Dungy, to participate in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Solo Flight Academy. His support and guidance led me to successfully solo and push myself to apply for the Tuskegee NEXT Program.

Tuskegee NEXT is an amazing opportunity based in community that honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. To be a part of something historic is amazing. Tuskegee NEXT will enable me to be financially unburdened with the immense cost of funding my private pilot's license. I am inspired by the work, values, and morals of the foundation. They work so hard to do what I hope to give back to my community one day.

I decided to join Tuskegee NEXT because of Ms. Holmes, who was my teacher/mentor in Aerostars during high school. She saw how interested and serious I was about becoming a pilot. She mentioned Tuskegee NEXT to me and I was intrigued. Along with Ms. Holmes, I also knew alumni of the program that told me I should go for it. Everything I heard about Tuskegee NEXT was exactly what I wanted to be apart of. Aviation is expensive, especially becoming a pilot. The amount of gratitude I have for the Tuskegee NEXT group for making an organization as wonderful as this one is immense. To invest in the future of young adults and help them succeed is amazing. It truly pushed me to make it happen and become a cadet. It has been the greatest opportunity thus far and I am so thankful!

I decided to apply for Tuskegee NEXT because I want to be a part of a group of young and ambitious students who are striving towards similar goals as me. I fully understand that Tuskegee NEXT is not only a program that helps you achieve your private pilot certificate but is also an organization that helps you with life skills and prepares you for the world ahead. So far within my Tuskegee NEXT experience, I have been able to meet some of the wonderful staff at the Illinois Aviation Academy. Applying to Tuskegee NEXT has been one of the best choices for my future because I will have lifelong friendships, constant support, and last but not least, my private pilot certificate.