EW: I grew up near Barksdale Air Force base in Louisiana. I always loved hearing and watching the planes and looked forward to the annual open houses so I could get closer to them. In 3rd grade I wrote a letter to the base and expressed my desire to become a pilot, and that Christmas the base representatives gave me a special tour. I saw inside the tower, met the base commander, and toured aircraft and simulators. One of the most memorable aspects was getting a helmet made just for me.

SCFC: You've been flying all around the country lately - tell us about that.

EW: I started my flight training here in the Bay Area at SCFC, and I've also flown in Iowa and Colorado. Although I have visited Iowa many times and I lived in Colorado for several years, seeing the landscape from above is quite different. Both locations had snow, so I was able to take-off and land with snow on the runway. The most complex airport I've flown is Centennial in Colorado, with intersecting runways and many taxiways.

SCFC: What have you learned from flying outside the Bay Area?

EW: We're spoiled here in the Bay Area. There's no snow, and we fly at sea level, which gives us better performance. Our highly controlled airspace is a mixed blessing- elsewhere there may be a lot of radio silence, but in the Bay Area there's constant chatter and constant traffic.

I learned how quickly weather can change. While flying in Colorado, the snow was forecasted to arrive later in the day, but it moved in earlier and quickly. I appreciated the help of a CFI with local knowledge.

And don't be afraid to ask for help. I had never asked "say again" or for a progressive taxi, both of which were of great help at the larger, busier airport.

SCFC: You recently took your first solo flight - how did it feel?

EW: Honestly, not that different. I was so focused on flying and landing. I noticed how much lighter the plane felt without another person in it and how much quieter it was with no one talking! Only later was I able to relax and felt the exhilaration flood through. It was a great giddy feeling!

SCFC: What do you do when you're not flying?

EW: As cliche as it sounds, I enjoy travelling. It hasn't gotten old yet, and I'll continue until it does. Growing up, Africa was a faraway mystical place. I've been to South Africa twice, and highly recommend it. I think any international trip highlights how small the world actually is. Otherwise, I'm in school right now, and working. The free time is usually filled up with studying or being outside.