An Aspiring Aviator
By: Josh Quiñones (11)
Jeniya Howard (10) has had a big dream ever since she was little: she wanted to become a pilot. Her parents got permission to take her into the cockpit of a flight to her grandmother’s house.
“It was really interesting to see how everything worked and just all the cool materials,” Howard said.
This dream of hers is not only fueled by intrigue, but by inspiration and the urge to inspire the next generation.
“I didn’t think that women could fly planes, so seeing that it could be possible really inspired me because I wanted to make a difference in the youth and inspire others.”
When asked to pinpoint an exact experience that solidified her career path, she recalled her discovery flight (A short, hands-on introductory lesson offered by flight schools that let you sit in the pilot’s seat of a small aircraft with a certified flight instructor.).
“It’s definitely different than just sitting in a seat and flying. Just taking control and going up and being able to fly the plane yourself is really life-changing. It’s just the perspectives and the difference.”
For her, aviation is far more than a personal ambition–it is a responsibility grounded in safety, service, and helping others reach their destinations.
“Being a pilot to me means getting others to their destination safely and helping others in transportation. I really do just want to inspire others.”
Howard has faced many challenges on this path to becoming a pilot, but there is one that stands out from the rest.
“Definitely money. The affordability part is very tough because my dad had a stroke this year, earlier in February. Ever since then, I've kind of been on a break, not really wanting to, but I've just had no choice because affording it is just really not possible. I've tried scholarships, but it's hard for my age, and I'm just really not sure what more to do.”
Howard has an ideal, the pilot she strives to be, in mind.
“I hope to become the type of pilot that people can trust and look forward to. When people see me, I just hope they can think, 'Oh, if she can do this, I can do this too.' I don’t want people to think it’s impossible. I know, especially being a person of color, a lot of people don’t think that’s possible, and that’s also made things difficult–the color of my skin. I’ve been turned down for many opportunities because of that, and my age. So, I just hope people know that your age doesn’t matter, your skin color doesn’t matter, anything is possible.”
With her sights set on the clouds and a drive that overcomes every obstacle, her story serves as a reminder that no dream is too big to chase. Wherever she goes next, she is already inspiring those around her to aim higher, push harder, and be better.