TM
| Encouraging more women and girls to have an interest in aviation... |
Scroll
Stephanie:
As a six year old, just out of the bath, dressed in yesterdays greasy, oil stained clothing, I ran
through the dewy grass of our backyard to my grandfather’s shop. With morning greetings,
Grandpa chopped kindling to light a fire in the wood stove. I pulled a stool from by the engine
stand to the flames in an attempt to warm myself and my damp feet. On this cool spring
morning, we watched the sunrise through the trees on the hills to the east and added wood
pieces to the growing fire. The few low clouds along the foothills broke up the sun’s warm rays
into bright beams. The task this morning: to tear down, clean up and assess the parts of the
engine pulled from the tow truck the afternoon before. I was asked if I had time to help today,
or if my schedule was full. Being told to stay out of the way the day before, my excitement
consumed me. In the thrill I forgot about being cold and even the breakfast that was cooking
as I snuck out of the house. Wanting to do it all myself, I was directed to a book that seemed
to weigh nearly as much as I did. Unable to read many of the words or to break bolts loose, by
mid-morning frustration grew and replaced the excitement until tears flowed and I gave up.
Grandpa provided perspective as to my age and physical abilities, I was encouraged to do as
much as I could. With my grandfather’s patience, time and encouragement again and again, I
was given the motivation and inspiration in my life to follow through.
This experience as a young child instilled characteristics that stay with me as I meet the many
obstacles in the pursuit of my hearts desires. I forget this sometimes and bend to the family
or community attitude that says I can/should not because I am a girl. Fortunately, I am
brought back to the life inspiring morning where I was given the intrinsic power to accomplish
anything.
About twelve years ago I began flight training but, due to sudden medical, family and financial
challenges, this training was not continued beyond 13 flight hours. I am now in a condition
that this desire to continue flight training can be pursued. I long for a private pilot license to
utilize for personal/family enjoyment for the next few years. In this time, I will continue my
flight training in pursuit of an opportunity to continue a family business on Alaska’s Kenai
Peninsula. I am currently gaining experience as an A&P/IA mechanic at a Cessna Service
Center/FAA Certified Repair Station, and have
the benefit of instructing as a substitute for an airframe and powerplant Part 147 curriculum.
Being a female in a nontraditional field, survival is sometimes a daily challenge. It surprises me
when I realize that others are looking up to me, others want to be like I am, and others are
watching me. This first happened while helping in the classroom of my eldest son a couple of
years ago, when I, the quiet helping hand, became the object of unbreakable class attention.
That day ignited dreams for many of those children towards multiple career paths.
The benefits from being a role model to young people are immeasurable. Seeing a young girl
accomplish something she did not believe she could is thrilling. Knowing she will be able to
encourage others is motivating. The need to spread this joy has become a goal in my
relationships, both with my mentors and those young people I interact with through work, the
college, church and the elementary and middle schools my children attend. I enjoy sharing the
patience my grandfather showed me to make a difference, to possibly pass on a life inspiring
moment with another.
As a six year old, just out of the bath, dressed in yesterdays greasy, oil stained clothing, I ran
through the dewy grass of our backyard to my grandfather’s shop. With morning greetings,
Grandpa chopped kindling to light a fire in the wood stove. I pulled a stool from by the engine
stand to the flames in an attempt to warm myself and my damp feet. On this cool spring
morning, we watched the sunrise through the trees on the hills to the east and added wood
pieces to the growing fire. The few low clouds along the foothills broke up the sun’s warm rays
into bright beams. The task this morning: to tear down, clean up and assess the parts of the
engine pulled from the tow truck the afternoon before. I was asked if I had time to help today,
or if my schedule was full. Being told to stay out of the way the day before, my excitement
consumed me. In the thrill I forgot about being cold and even the breakfast that was cooking
as I snuck out of the house. Wanting to do it all myself, I was directed to a book that seemed
to weigh nearly as much as I did. Unable to read many of the words or to break bolts loose, by
mid-morning frustration grew and replaced the excitement until tears flowed and I gave up.
Grandpa provided perspective as to my age and physical abilities, I was encouraged to do as
much as I could. With my grandfather’s patience, time and encouragement again and again, I
was given the motivation and inspiration in my life to follow through.
This experience as a young child instilled characteristics that stay with me as I meet the many
obstacles in the pursuit of my hearts desires. I forget this sometimes and bend to the family
or community attitude that says I can/should not because I am a girl. Fortunately, I am
brought back to the life inspiring morning where I was given the intrinsic power to accomplish
anything.
About twelve years ago I began flight training but, due to sudden medical, family and financial
challenges, this training was not continued beyond 13 flight hours. I am now in a condition
that this desire to continue flight training can be pursued. I long for a private pilot license to
utilize for personal/family enjoyment for the next few years. In this time, I will continue my
flight training in pursuit of an opportunity to continue a family business on Alaska’s Kenai
Peninsula. I am currently gaining experience as an A&P/IA mechanic at a Cessna Service
Center/FAA Certified Repair Station, and have
the benefit of instructing as a substitute for an airframe and powerplant Part 147 curriculum.
Being a female in a nontraditional field, survival is sometimes a daily challenge. It surprises me
when I realize that others are looking up to me, others want to be like I am, and others are
watching me. This first happened while helping in the classroom of my eldest son a couple of
years ago, when I, the quiet helping hand, became the object of unbreakable class attention.
That day ignited dreams for many of those children towards multiple career paths.
The benefits from being a role model to young people are immeasurable. Seeing a young girl
accomplish something she did not believe she could is thrilling. Knowing she will be able to
encourage others is motivating. The need to spread this joy has become a goal in my
relationships, both with my mentors and those young people I interact with through work, the
college, church and the elementary and middle schools my children attend. I enjoy sharing the
patience my grandfather showed me to make a difference, to possibly pass on a life inspiring
moment with another.
