When I signed up to volunteer at this year’s Girls Can Fly to represent the University of Waterloo, I had no idea what to expect, and simply put I was blown away. Volunteering, and being able to represent the university was a great honour.
Entertaining the children who attended the event, by creating a tornado in a bottle, and answering questions regarding the aviation program was all very enjoyable. Before I knew it my shift was up, and that's where my eyes were opened to what the event entailed.
Seeing all the various booths, from clubs to airlines, the people, and of course, the aircraft, got me excited to go around and explore as much as I could. The airline booths caught my attention first, and as a student pilot I highly value any chance to talk to professionals in the aviation industry.
Their insight, tips and personal career experiences are aspects that allow me to develop an understanding of what the industry is like and how I can approach my flight training to get the most out of it.
After chatting with the airlines, I went over to the various aircraft that were in attendance. Having been fascinated with aviation since the age of ten, anytime I have the chance to sit in the cockpit of an aircraft is memorable to say the least.
Overall, attending Girls Can Fly and volunteering for the University of Waterloo was an amazing experience which got me more excited to start my flight training than ever before. But, if I had to pick my favourite part of it all, it was getting to meet young aspiring pilots who are interested in the program, and being able to provide them with insight which will hopefully inspire them to go on and become pilots themselves one day.