Aviation Student Success Story

"I learned more about career opportunities." - - Julie O'Neal, Aviation Graduate

For aspiring youth, the concept of flying an airplane remains a distant dream but for Julie O’Neal, this dream has become a reality! Julie, a local resident of UT, really hadn’t decided on a career in aviation. In an effort to acquire insight, she started taking introductory collegiate courses while completing her high school curriculum. One such course was the Survey of Aviation which is designed to introduce the student to the History of the Aviation Industry. This brief history into the aviation world proved to be extremely fascinating. O’Neal commented, "I learned more about career opportunities."

Anticipating the cost associated with flight training, Julie researched and applied for numerous grants and scholarships. After learning about her scholarship success, she enrolled in the Aviation program in the Fall of 2003. Reflecting on her time in the program, Julie related a variety of highlights such as learning to fly, encountering an interesting curriculum, terrific value, dynamic instruction, flexibility, forming close student/pilot relationships, aviation community networking, as well as the impressive hiring rate for the program.

Julie completed her degree requirements, graduating in Dec. of 2006. She is currently employed by Utah Valley University as a flight instructor, assisting five students with their pursuit of becoming a professional pilot. While content to a degree, O’Neal desires to fly for the locally based SkyWest Airlines. However, her ultimate dream is to become a Corporate Pilot. Congratulations Julie on living your dream!