Freshman to Senior

Published by Eric Epplett on Fri, Feb 03, 2017

Freshman to Senior 
Lindsay Mason
Aviation Flight Science

Time surely does fly when you’re having fun, that’s what I have learned during my short three years as an aviation flight science student at Western Michigan University. Graduation is quickly approaching, and I find myself contemplating my chosen path in my major. There are so many different career paths to choose after graduation, that it almost seems overwhelming. Fortunately, if you get involved on campus as a freshman, the transition will be clean cut. My advice to future students at the College of Aviation would be to GET INVOLVED, network, and stay positive!  

Getting involved is one of the most important moves you could make as a freshman. Join a few registered student organizations, the College of Aviation has over nine to choose from! Don’t be afraid to also join organizations outside of aviation, it is always refreshing to meet others with different majors. While it is a great idea to join these organizations, make sure you can handle the time commitment. 

Networking keeps the aviation world turning. It is all about who you know, many scholarships and internships are obtainable through networking. The College of Aviation strives to create events for their students to promote networking. The most popular event would be Aviation Outlook Day, which takes place once a year bringing in hundreds of students and professionals in the industry.  

Staying positive is the best way to reach your goals. Having a positive mental attitude not only is beneficial to you, but may influence others to also be positive and strive in their major. I have realized in my final semester as a College of Aviation student, that if you do not stay positive and you let the little things get to you, nothing good will come out of it.  

All in all, the College of Aviation prepared me to obtain my goal of becoming a professional pilot, and paved the way to being hired by a major airline. College is not easy, it will be the best time of your life but it will also bring struggles, stress, and exhaustion. If you prepare yourself and follow some of the tips I have provided, it will definitely help you to get a tremendous headstart. 

GO BRONCOS