Starting Strong in Aviation with Priscilla Aleksic

Where are you from, and what experiences did you have growing up?

I grew up in Orlando, Florida, and lived there for most of my childhood.

Growing up in a multi-cultural family exposed me to several different languages, food styles and traditions. The three main cultures my family embraces are Serbian, Austrian and American. Because of this diversity, my summers were filled with visiting family overseas and learning German to speak with my cousins.

What first interested you in the aviation industry?

When I was 13, I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. The small jets flying out of the McGhee Tyson Airport from these gorgeous hangars immediately became an interest of mine. When I turned 15, I moved back to Orlando, although this time I lived across the street from a glider port.

Out of curiosity, my dad drove me over to find out what these “paper airplanes” were, and I had the opportunity to have my first flight in one. Since speaking with pilots and other aviation professionals about the career and travel opportunities within the field, it has been my goal to become a pilot and work within the field of aviation.

What interested you in Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle?

My dream of being an aviator and one day owning my own business led to great ambition. Finding out that I could combine both dreams into aviation business was a lightbulb moment for me. I chose this program to help navigate me towards aviation company operations or owning my own aviation business.

Embry-Riddle immediately became an interest of mine after touring it for the first time. Upon further research, I decided the school was the best fit for me because of its opportunities, reputation in the aviation industry and emphasis on succeeding both academically and professionally.

What does being a Boeing Scholar mean to you?

Receiving the Boeing Scholarship means more than financial support — it gives me the motivation to continue striving for excellence and give back to others the way I have been supported thus far.

New resources and forms of encouragement to challenge myself academically and discover research opportunities are now available to me. This combination of support and encouragement from leaders and mentors will help me grow as a student and develop as a future professional in the aviation and aerospace industries.

What have your first few weeks as an Eagle been like, and what are you most looking forward to about your time at Embry-Riddle?

The first few weeks as an Eagle have been both exciting and challenging. Transitioning to living on a college campus presented the challenge of adapting to a new academic environment while also building a sense of community away from home. It pushed me to become more organized and proactive in seeking resources for academic, athletic and professional support.

I am most looking forward to making lifelong connections, challenging myself and being exposed to the opportunities of a lifetime. I am also excited to participate in Embry-Riddle athletics on the rowing team.

How is Embry-Riddle preparing you for the future?

At Embry-Riddle, I am provided with opportunities and supporters that will guide me to improve skills such as project leadership, time management, communication between industry professionals and teammates and the ability to adapt and navigate new, and possibly stressful, environments.

What are your future goals and plans after graduation?

While studying at Embry-Riddle, it is my goal to set a foundation for my future career in the aviation industry.

Managing or owning an airport, a fixed-base operator business or similar aviation facility is a goal I am determined to achieve while also being a pilot, whether I decide to fly for leisure or professionally.