“6468 Foxtrot, cleared for takeoff,” responded the instructor to the control tower. “Now push the throttle up to full and you’re going to pull back a little when we reach 40 knots. Then pull back more when we reach 65 and we’ll lift off.” I pushed the throttle in and held it there. “Now pull back some.” We hit 40 knots. “Now pull back more, a little more.” We hit 65 knots and I pulled back without any apprehensiveness. The twenty or so gauges in the cockpit were not the least bit intimidating. As soon as I felt the plane jump off the runway, I immediately smiled. I can’t remember ever having a bigger grin than I did at that moment. This was something I knew I would never forget. I’ve heard that time flies when you’re having fun, but I’m not so sure that’s true. I flew for one hour and it felt like three. I felt like I knew exactly what I was supposed to do and I had gotten something I was waiting for my whole life. Even though I was trapped in a tiny plane that could barely fit three people, I never felt as though I was more unconstrained.

Throughout my entire life, I had never found anything that I really had a passion for. I was seemingly indifferent to every other hobby or sport I had tried. Before my flight, I was never happy with myself. I had no inspiration to try and accomplish anything, but at that very moment, I realized what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to fly planes. I’m not exactly sure why the exact moment of liftoff was so momentous to me. All I know is at that moment, I felt like the happiest person on earth. It was the most inspiring moment I can remember and it is something that I know I will never forget.

After what could be called the most defining moment of my life, I was a different person. In my aviation class, I had the best grades and I won first place in our skills Olympics for aviation operations. I work harder than I ever did before. I act and speak differently. My confidence and patience are at an all time high, and I feel fearless.

Today, when I hear a plane overhead, I always look up and smile thinking about the next time I get to experience pure exhilaration. What have I learned from all of this? When you truly find something you love, you will know it. I want to pursue a career in aviation because this is what I love to do. I will work hard to overcome any challenges set before me. I will do anything to achieve my goals, and nothing is going to stop me from becoming a pilot.