By Ella Lucas, EAA 1518806, EAA Chapter 96
A Ray Aviation Scholarship is the best Christmas gift ever.
I recently received the Ray Aviation Scholarship from EAA. When I went through the interview process, I really had difficulty with the question on the form of “Why do you deserve this?” My answer was that I don’t deserve it, but that I was glad to be considered for it. It truly is a major gift and blessing. It comes with a few minor stipulations. One is to write a thank-you note, although that’s more of a recommendation and not a requirement. My parents made me write thank-you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts I’ve received, so this wasn’t new to me. However, this is the biggest gift I’ve ever received by far, and it comes mostly from people I don’t know, so I had to think extra hard on how to express my gratitude.
I suppose the first step is to slowly unpack the gift. My initial childish instinct is to rip open the package and run around celebrating (full disclosure – I did that a bit in my head). Once I settled down a bit, I began to slowly peel the tape away from the carefully wrapped item and study it. Not just the value but what it means and all the implications. The deeper meaning reminded me of getting a sleeping bag from my dad. On the surface, it doesn’t seem super exciting, BUT I knew that it meant that we were going to do more camping adventures, beach bonfires, and road trips – which are quite fun.
The first thing it means is that a group of people at EAA think I’m worth investing in. I interviewed with a panel of three people, and I think others were involved as well (at EAA headquarters and other members of our chapter). Apparently, every chapter has the opportunity to apply for a Ray scholarship every year. How many others got one?
In addition to writing a thank-you note, there are some real requirements they have for the recipient of the scholarship like participating in monthly meetings and giving updates on progress. At first this seems like a light burden, but as I unfolded it, it seems like a fantastic opportunity and mechanism so my chapter can provide mentorship, guidance, and assistance. This is much more than a financial boost to help pay for flight time. This gift is more like one of those “coupon books” that I use to give to my parents for a “free car wash,” “shoulder rub,” and “dish duty.” Unlike my parents though, I’m determined to use all these vouchers.
The second meaning follows from the first. If they invested in me, what is their payout? They are giving me the gift of flight. I am sure there is part of them that enjoys seeing the smile on my face, but I think their target return is to produce an aviation evangelist or instructor or some other high contributor to the aviation community. This is definitely one of those “pay-it-forward” type gifts (not many other options since I can’t think of any way to “pay it back”). The good news is that I want to copy the leaders. I’m excited to have the opportunity to help create future opportunities like these for others. I have a lot to learn about this though.
The final implication of this gift is that I need to figure out how I’m going to give back. I need to participate by giving the gift of flight to others. The key is that there is more “doing” than “saying” thanks. There is a certain beauty to that. Seeing a legacy and craft preserved and carried on is more alive than a cute card with a quippy note inside. It’s like doing the dishes without my mom telling me and rather than texting her smiley and heart emojis.
I’d like advice and feedback on what I’m planning on doing. Feel free to email me at ella@flygirl.la.
- I’m going to keep writing. This is a bit self-serving. It seems like all you sage advice-givers open up when I write something. I also know a lot of people my age don’t know about the possibilities in aviation, so I’m excited to share more about it.
- I’m going to work on a youth program. I have seen the youth program at our chapter, and I think I can help with it.
- I’m going to be diligent with the funds. I will take advantage every time I am in the air and or doing ground school. I’m excited to learn.
- I’m going to record the journey, so you advisers don’t have to repeat yourselves.
- I’m going to ask that you hold me accountable. Let me know what metrics you think we should use.
EAA, thank you!!! I look forward to being a bigger part of the team.
