I was born in Provo, Utah, but was raised in Colorado. I was very fortunate and had a fantastic childhood. My mom was a stay-at-home mother, and my dad provided for us. My dad lost his job once or twice, so things may have been difficult at times, but we kids were none the wiser. My parents always made us feel loved and safe, no matter what. Eventually, we returned from Colorado to Utah and settled down in Tooele, where I attended junior high and high school, graduating in 2012. After graduation, I served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Roseville, California. This experience changed me forever and helped me grow and mature in ways that I don't think I otherwise would've done for many years to come. As I returned home, it was finally time to choose a career, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. 

When I was about 11 or 12 years old, at the beginning of junior high, I had received exemplary grades in school, and so, as a reward, my dad took me up to the Heber City airport and put me in an airplane. If you pay around $50, they'll let you fly an aircraft. Of course, there's an instructor there, but they put you in the pilot's seat. I remember being too short to reach the foot pedals, but I was still so excited to be there. After much anticipation, the instructor told me to take off for the first time. He told me to pull back on the stick to lift the plane off the ground, and I remember that feeling of leaving the ground. Ever since then, I told myself I wanted to fly as a career. There was nothing else that intrigued me as much as flying. 

So, when deciding which school I wanted to go to, I looked at which schools had the best aviation programs. I knew that a few other schools in Utah had exceptional flight schools, but being so close with my family, I chose to stay near home in Utah Valley. When I was accepted into the UVU aviation program, I was over-the-moon excited! Finally, my dreams were going to come true. I was going to be a pilot. 

Of course, as I started to get into the program, I realized why it was so hard to become a pilot. I remember one particular flight test that I had to pass to earn my private pilot certification — I was so nervous. I studied so hard, but unfortunately, my worst fear came true when we landed. I had not passed the test. That was a dark moment in my life where I felt like a complete failure. I didn't know if I should even continue in the program. I questioned if I could accomplish my dream and wondered what the future held for me. No other career interested me. I thought my life would be over if I failed out of aviation school. All these negative feelings just kept snowballing and getting heavier and heavier. 

I called my dad to talk to him about it, and I remember him encouraging me. He told me what he always had growing up, "Don't give up, Shawn. You can do this. Just work hard and try again." I am so grateful to my parents for teaching me to get back up when I get knocked down. 

It took me a while, but with their encouragement and my instructors' encouragement at UVU, I decided to retake the test. Doing this involved paying the large test fee a second time, and I wasn't sure where I would get the money. I worked a few extra hours while studying for the test, all the while worrying about where I would get this money and if I would even pass the test. When it came time to retake the test, many miracles came together. I got a little extra money because I had overpaid for tuition, and my wonderful instructor charged me a little less because it was my second attempt.

With hope renewed, I took the test — and I passed! That night I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe it; I was one step closer to being a pilot. As a senior graduating in May 2021, I hope to become a flight instructor to help students how my instructors helped me. When I was struggling in the program, my instructors always helped me stay the course.

To those students just starting, I would say, "Never give up, especially when it gets tough!" One of my favorite quotes that always keeps me going comes from Henry Ford. He said, "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." Remember, there's going to be opposition, and that's what enables you to fly. Don't quit, and don't stop trying. Have faith in yourself and your ability to endure because you will get there one day — and it will be so worth it.