A Boeing Scholar's Flight to Success in Aeronautical Science

Dreams Take Flight

Inspired by her parents from an early age, Kristy Magana (’27) has been captivated by the world of aviation.

“My parents, immigrants from Central America, used to book flights the old-fashioned way by calling the airline to make reservations. They consistently chose Delta due to the excellent customer service they received,” she shared. “I used to view flying as a luxury, but as time passed and I achieved many of my goals— including becoming the valedictorian of my high school and obtaining full scholarships to esteemed institutions, I had an epiphany: ‘I can truly become anything I desire.’ This realization led me to choose aviation!”

Her early fascination with flight, combined with inspiration received from her parents, fueled her ambition to pursue a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with hopes of building a future career in the aviation field. 

Boeing Scholar

The California native is among nine freshmen at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who have been selected as this year’s 2023 Boeing Scholars, which is supported by a $3 million endowment from The Boeing Company, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading aircraft manufacturer. The scholarship provides funding and additional career-boosting opportunities to help launch students' futures.

“There was a point when I worried that my finances might stop me from attending Embry‑Riddle. But then, one day, I received a letter from the school announcing that I had been granted a scholarship from The Boeing Company... It was truly a game-changer in my life,” she remembered. “It's my aspiration to be a positive representative of The Boeing Company and always strive for excellence.”

The Boeing scholarship not only alleviated her financial concerns, but it also came with exciting benefits, including participation in group projects with other students and industry experts, visits to Boeing facilities and the potential for future internships and job offers. 

Why Embry‑Riddle

When it came to choosing a college, the graduate from Oak Hills High School was looking for a world-renowned university that could provide her financial stability.

“Selecting Embry‑Riddle was a tough choice, primarily because of my financial situation. I had received full-ride scholarship offers from other schools,” she shared. “Going to any of these schools would have provided me with financial security. However, I recognized the exceptional opportunities that Embry‑Riddle could offer in the long run!”

Given that financial concerns were no longer an issue thanks to the Boeing scholarship, Embry-Riddle seemed to be the clear choice for her to enhance her education and help her aviation career take flight.

On-Campus Involvement

Ever since first stepping foot on the Prescott Campus, Kristy was eager to get involved in the tight-knit Eagle community. Currently, she is an active member of the Airline Pilots Association Aviation Collegiate Education Club (Alpha Ace) and contributes her time to the Campus Catholic Ministry.

“I had the privilege of attending the Alpha Ace roundtable talk, which provided one of the most valuable networking experiences I've had to date! I had the chance to meet an incredible Delta pilot, who happens to have my dream job,” she smiled. “I also attend weekly mass and have started participating in rosary prayers.”

Her involvement on-campus has transformed her Embry‑Riddle experience, opening new doors for both personal and professional development.

Soaring Towards Success

With wings beneath her dreams, she keeps her sights set on her future. She hopes to get accepted into the Delta Propel Program and follow through with a qualified job offer. In addition, she plans to obtain her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, accumulate flight hours and move into the regional airline sector.

As her dreams take flight, Kristy extends some valuable advice to the future students at Embry‑Riddle.