Hello, my name is Kishan Vahalia. I am currently a senior at Rock Canyon High School, a competitive sharpshooter for Colorado State University 4H, a mental health advocate for The Happy Crew Non-Profit, and an aspiring pilot, currently accruing hours toward my private pilot license. So far, I have around 30 flight hours, completed my first solo, passed my FAA Written Exam, and currently hold a First Class Medical. I am also enrolled and have taken specific aviation courses at Metropolitan State University of Denver. My curiosity about flying truly ignited at a young age, during my first international flight. When I boarded the plane, the pilot invited me into the cockpit. As I stepped into that glowing chamber of switches, screens, and controls, I felt as though I had stepped into a realm, like a futuristic spacecraft out of a movie. That spark of wonder never faded, instead pushing me to experience flight myself. Fast forward over a decade later, and here I am, proving that flying isn’t a dream, but rather a passion that I’m determined to pursue as a career. Aviation is just the beginning of my aspirations. My fascination with space exploration overlaps with my passion for flying. I see aviation as a stepping stone to the future of aerospace innovation, whether through safer, more efficient aircraft or the expansion of human flight beyond Earth. I want to be part of the next generation of pilots who push the limits of what’s possible, making space more accessible and flying more sustainable. Whether that be flying electric Airbus A350s, to flying SpaceX’s Starship, I’m eager to contribute to and experience the future of aviation and being at the forefront of the aerospace industry. Pursuing this dream has been exhilarating, yet challenging at the same time. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA in AP and Dual Enrollment Classes, leading the Colorado State Sharpshooting Team, and organizing mental health meetings for a non-profit has consumed lots of time and energy every week. Despite this packed schedule, I have learned how to efficiently manage my time, and stay resilient in stressful situations, qualities that are essential for an airline pilot to ensure the safety of passengers. The cost of flying has been expensive so far and will continue to pile on throughout college. To fund my training, I have been working as a lifeguard for three years, working between 10-15 hours each week. Additionally, I continue to search and apply for scholarships, both general and aviation-related ones. This year, I was honored as a finalist for the Wings Over The Rockies Flight Training Scholarship, the KG Aviation Scholarship, and the Arizona State University Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship would be a crucial stepping stone into my future, helping ease the expensive costs of flying and allowing me to focus entirely on my training. I hope to contribute to the future of this industry, to make our planet safer, greener, and more advanced. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and your consideration.

1.) So far I am accruing hours for my Private Pilot License, so far having around 30 hours. I have passed the FAA written test, flown my first solo, hold a first class medical certificate, flown my first solo, and have earned over 30 college credits at Metropolitan State University of Denver for their flight program, as a senior in high school. 2.) Aviation has always captivated me – the idea of conquering the skies, and exploring the world from a unique perspective. Now, I stand on the precipice of my college career, eager to transform this childhood dream into a reality, pursuing a degree in aviation with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. This fascination began when I was six years old, during my first commercial flight from Chicago to Denver. As I stepped on that plane, the pilot invited me to sit in his chair and explore the cockpit. Its intricate array of instruments and controls looked like a futuristic spaceship to my young eyes. This moment sparked a curiosity. This is when I knew I wanted to experience the thrill of flying. So far, my senior year has been a testament to the multifaceted nature of my pursuits, from college applications, to managing the rigor of AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP US Government, and other dual enrollment classes, posing a desired challenge to prepare for my future. Outside of school, I spend most of my time at the airport, accruing flight hours to earn my private pilot license. When I’m not flying, I work as a lifeguard, I’m an editor and column writer for my high school’s newspaper, I’m a member of my school’s Eco Club, and I continue to practice my shooting skills and serve as a captain of the Colorado State Air Rifle Team. I've recently developed a passion for astronomy, spending countless nights exploring the cosmos through my telescope. These nights I’ve spent observing celestial bodies have not only expanded my understanding of the universe but have also fostered a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for our world, qualities that will continue to fuel my passion for exploration, which aviation would allow me to do. Prior to my senior year, I completed ground school and began my flight training, with the goal of achieving my private pilot license before starting college. My first flights were exhilarating, where the steep turns and stalls felt similar to an endless roller coaster full of twists and turns at 10,000 feet up in the air. Now, as I navigate traffic patterns and communicate with Air Traffic Control, I'm experiencing the growing confidence of flying, as I inch my way closer to my oral exam and my check-ride. My aspiration to become a Professional Airline Pilot extends beyond personal ambition. I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with full dedication. I strive to demonstrate that pursuing one's passions, even those that may seem unconventional, can lead to inner-fulfillment and achievement. As an aspiring pilot, I envision contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation, advocating for environmentally responsible practices such as exploring alternative fuels and optimizing flight routes to minimize our environmental impact. I am eager to contribute to an industry that connects people and cultures while minimizing its footprint on our planet. This scholarship would not only provide valuable financial support to finish pursuing my private pilot license, but also serve as a testament to my commitment to pursue aviation in college.