Friday Feature: Chris Ko
By: Annie Targosz
This week’s Friday Feature is Ko Jaechung, better known to his fellow students as Chris Ko! Chris is a junior at Western Michigan University majoring in aviation flight science. He is an instrument rated private pilot, currently working on his commercial multi-engine rating. He also works as a student assistant in the Dean’s office at the College of Aviation.
Chris grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He decided to study aviation at WMU because it seemed like the best, most recognized program that was also close to home. He has been an avid aviation lover since he was a child. Chris said that he would often get in trouble during middle school for drawing pictures of aircraft rather than paying attention. This long time passion has helped him stay motivated and successful throughout his flight training.
Beyond his love for aviation, Chris stays closely connected to his Korean heritage. He has family in South Korea who he visits on a yearly basis, and last year he had an extraordinary opportunity to volunteer for the 2018 Winter Olympics held in PyeongChang, South Korea. After being presented with the opportunity by a hockey coach back in Grand Rapids, Chris traveled to PyeongChang with the 2018 USA Men's Hockey Team to serve as a team host. This involved preparing locker rooms and acting as a translator for the team.
Chris at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea
Chris had nothing but positive things to say about his experience. He was there from the beginning of January to the end of February and loved every second. He was grateful to meet many remarkable people and said that Team USA was filled with very friendly members who treated him well throughout their stay. Although he was working exclusively with the men’s hockey team, he said the highlight of his Olympic experience was watching the women’s USA hockey team make it all the way to gold. He is also glad that he has more of an appreciation for hockey after the experience and that he was able to follow in his father’s footsteps, who volunteered for the Olympics in South Korea in 1988.
Chris pictured with the 2018 USA Men's Hockey Team
In the future, Chris’ goal is to work for a major airline back in Asia. He would like to make a shout out to everyone at WMU for helping him throughout his flight training and for making all of this possible! Keep up the great work, Chris!