Therefore, the class was in need of a female representative within our aviation community. Thus, Nicole Ames of Marianas Air came by and shared her career experiences with the Aeronautical Dolphins. The girls in my class, finally, had someone they could truly identify with.
Nicole introduced herself as a pilot and she also described her background and education. She said that she was inspired to become a pilot at the early age of five. Since she was not wealthy she had to get student loans which allowed her to obtain her pilot’s license in a year and a half. Most individuals take up to four years to receive their pilot’s license.
Nicole told us that she served some time as an instructor, which refocuses your skills as a pilot because you must reinforce what you already know.
She explained to the girls that it is not easy being a female pilot. Sometimes your male co- workers do not take you seriously; however, once you show them that your gender has nothing to do with your professional abilities, then they will give you the respect and co-worker confidence that you deserve.
Nicole flies from Tinian to Saipan about 15 times a day. I want to set up a trip with my students to come and visit her at the airport. Nicole’s visit was very inspiring, especially to my female students. In Nicole, the girls in my class saw a positive female role model in aviation who is a strong and dedicated professional, something that they will strive to become.
The class will be visited by a representative affiliated with the Air Force Academy on Nov 8. Students will be urged at that time to ask questions, talk about their trip to Andersen AFB, and make mention of United States Air Force Fighter Pilot and Base Commander, Brig. Gen. John Doucette’s Endorsement Document which is hanging proudly in our classroom. Students should also talk about the Aviation Books that were Donated by Congressman Kilili Sablan, mention USAF Band from Alaska Support and visit to MHS, and finally, talk about their understanding of aeronautics and aviation history within their fully accredited class.
Next Friday the Aeronautical Dolphins will be attending the Veterans Day Ceremony at American Memorial Park. I am a proud USAF and USN veteran, and I think that the Veterans Day venue is a good time for the Aeronautical Dolphins and me to show some respect and support to our freedoms which are preserved and protected by United States Veterans/Servicemen and Servicewomen. Thank you from the Aeronautical Dolphins.
Last week, we watched “Pearl Harbor,” which fell in line with our discussion of air power. My students learned that over 3,000 Americans lost their lives in less than one hour; and, 1,177 sailors to this day, lie entombed inside the USS Arizona.
The writer is the teacher of the aviation class at Marianas High School.
