It’s been a bit since we’ve checked up on the 2023 roster of CJP Scholars. All of them looked to the recent conclusion of their Fall Semester with a mix of excitement, reflection and anticipation for the future.
Lylith Turner
Hello CJP! For my final report this year, I would like to express my gratitude once again. Receiving this scholarship is a significant milestone in my academic journey. Attending Embry Riddle has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. This scholarship is not just a financial support system; it is a symbol of your belief in my capabilities and determination to succeed.
Something I have continuously struggled with is imposter syndrome. It can be difficult for me to have confidence in myself; however, this opportunity has really shown me that I do have what it takes to be in this industry.
The financial assistance provided by Citation Jet Pilot Association is a game-changer for me. It alleviates the burden of tuition and flight training costs, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. Since receiving the award in December of last year, much has changed for the better in my life. During this year of support I have been able to complete my commercial and multi-engine add on as well as begin CFI.
Outside of flying I have helped create and run the Aviation Safety Council as well as take advantage of the many opportunities Embry Riddle offers within the industry. I want to assure you all that this opportunity has not been taken for granted. The opportunities I have received from this scholarship are invaluable.
Many students my age have not been able to meet such amazing mentors, or have been invited to ride along in Citations. For this, I am extremely grateful. This year has been absolutely incredible, it is all thanks to you all. I hope to all make you proud in my future endeavors! Wishing you all clear skies and tailwinds!
I have really enjoyed getting to know this organization more and hope to stay in touch with all of you! Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity.
Amelia Vaith
On December 19, 2023, I received a call on my birthday informing me that I was chosen as one of the 2023 CJP Scholars. The financial burden that was lifted off of both my family and I, was the best gift I could have possibly received, and has since proven to open many doors for success in my career. I want to sincerely thank you all, with the utmost gratitude for supporting my professional endeavors and helping me soar to new heights that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible without you all at CJP.
My final few weeks of the Fall 2023 semester consisted of many final exams, closing meetings for my on campus organizations, my spin flight for CFI training, and a plethora of RA responsibilities. I successfully earned a 4.0 this semester and completed 4 upper level classes leaving me with a plethora of knowledge on aerodynamics and jet transport systems. My favorite class this semester was domestic and international navigation with Professor Budde because I was able to directly apply the knowledge I acquired this summer at my internship with Mente to the content in the class. Professor Budde also had many stories of his experience in corporate aviation that I enjoyed listening to throughout the semester.
As the president of the ERAU Women in Aviation chapter (WAI), I organized an end of semester holiday party in replace of our closing meeting for the semester. Over 50 members competed in a gingerbread competition, enjoyed catering, wrote holiday cards to the local women’s shelter, and played a very enthusiastic white elephant game. I have found an extreme amount of success in building our WAI chapter on campus through fundraising and bringing female students together in a safe space of support and recognition. This semester alone we have raised over 12,000 dollars to allow 31 women to attend this upcoming year’s WAI annual Conference. These women will be completely funded by our chapter to attend the conference including housing, registration, travel expenses, and food. This would not have been possible without my incredible executive board and our many new ideas to bring the chapter to life.
While balancing many other responsibilities, I have finished ground training for my CFI course and have gained a few hours in the right seat. I successfully received my spin endorsement last week and found it to be one of the most exhilarating parts of my training. My instructor calmly led me through different scenarios, allowing me to recover the aircraft and smoothly return to level flight. I enjoyed every moment of my spin training and found the exercise extremely beneficial for understanding aircraft performance and aerodynamics.
Although it was a busy time with school and flight training, I also found time to celebrate my 21st birthday with a close group of friends and had the opportunity to celebrate with a few friends who are graduating and moving on to bigger and better things! It was an unbelievably busy semester, but I am proud to say I reached many of my goals and am now happy to be back in Washington State with my family for the holidays. I want to thank you all again for everything you have done for me, and I hope to cross paths with many of you in the future.
Anthony Velez
It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of accomplishment that I share a detailed account of my achievements during the Fall 2023 semester.
Academically, I am thrilled to announce that I have maintained a 4.0 GPA this semester. Navigating the challenging coursework while upholding a commitment to excellence has been a fulfilling journey. The balance between academic pursuits and my passion for aviation has been both demanding and rewarding, contributing to my overall growth as an individual when it came to time management and stress relief exercises. On the athletic front, I am honored to continue serving as the captain for the men’s soccer team. This semester, I am excited to share that I have been recognized as one of the five recipients of the prestigious Academic All District Award for the second consecutive year. This recognition not only acknowledges my dedication to academic excellence but also underscores my commitment to leadership on and off the field.
In the realm of aviation, I am excited to report the successful completion of my DE Ride for Commercial today on December 11, 2023 at 1700 EST Time. The comprehensive checkride, which was 4.5 hours and encompassing both oral and flight components, presented challenges. However, I am pleased to convey that I navigated through each task with precision and adherence to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). This achievement marks a significant milestone in my aviation journey, as I am now legally authorized to receive compensation for my flying services.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for being selected as a recipient of this wonderful scholarship. This recognition from the Citation Jet Pilots Association holds special significance for me and my future and I couldn’t be more grateful for getting selected for this award.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Citation Jet Pilots Association for this honor. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to upholding the values and standards set forth by this amazing association.