Rachel, now 21, became interested in aviation at a young age, ever since her first airplane ride in a Cessna 172 when her father took her flying. She knew that whether it was a career or hobby, she wanted aviation to be a part of her life. Rachel and her family have been attending AirVenture for the past eight years. Every year when Rachel and her family attend, the feeling of a supportive community fills Rachel’s heart.

“I come back to EAA every year simply because of the atmosphere,” Rachel said. “I was shown at the beginning that I was, in fact, doing something not many others set out to do at such a young age, and they supported me by publishing articles, sending people over, and always encouraging me to keep pushing, that my aspirations weren’t too big.”

Rachel credits one of EAA’s One Week Wonder projects as an inspiration. As a young girl, she saw how quickly an entire airplane could be built, and knowing she would be a part of the building and how fun that was to her, she was motivated and encouraged.

“I talked to the volunteers that were running that booth, and after listening to them speak about the build, I knew someday I could, in fact, build my own airplane; I just didn’t know what kind,” Rachael said. “It was truly amazing to know as a young kid an airplane that was flying in the air had my name on it.”

After realizing her dream was to build her own aircraft, she started to think about how to get funding for her project. Rachel decided to start her own small business and sell aviation-themed jewelry. When Rachel developed this idea, the EAA community showed her unconditional support.

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“When I was first inspired to sell jewelry in order to get profits for my airplane, the EAA community supported me like I was their child,” Rachel said. “I was introduced to people coming and interviewing me, members of the board showing their support, the air show performers that had read about me, all while I had no idea I was doing or becoming anything special.”

While building her airplane, Rachel faced times when she had doubts. Her hometown was not huge in aviation, and she struggled to balance her social life and aviation dreams. One thing pushed her through the six years of building her aircraft until the end.

“The one thing that kept me going through all the years was the support from the EAA community,” Rachel said. “Each year, even if I had not made as much progress as people expected. I was still being praised and told, ‘You are doing amazing.’ The community understood I was still young and growing up, but what made me keep going was the support of my family and the aviation community.”

After all the support and love she received from the aviation community, her family and friends, and all Rachel’s dedication, she finally completed building her BushCat. All the money saved, hours put into building and branding her jewelry business, and the time spent at AirVenture solidifies how hardworking and determined Rachel is. Because of her love for aviation, she will graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in air traffic control and three minors in psychology, applied meteorology, and air traffic transportation. She is excited to show off all her hard work and how much of an impact EAA has made on her life.

“I believe EAA is different from other organizations simply because they care,” Rachel said. “It has shown me that even if you don’t know someone, just to have the support and the knowledge someone is rooting for you, or an entire group or organization truly cares and wants to help you succeed, makes everything that much more special. Going to EAA every year isn’t just a family trip anymore; it’s traveling to see family and friends and connect with others.”