Flying Into the Future

When asked as a kid what kind of super power would be ideal, the typical response is to have the ability to fly. And while this is only just a childhood fantasy for the majority, for junior, Ashton Greeff, it’s more of a reality.

As a part of a Professional Studies intership at the KCI airport, Greeff gets to leave school every day for fourth block and learn all about the inner-workings of an airport. While there, he gets to work on multiple simulations that help him understand things from the layout of the airport to air traffic control.

“My favorite part is the experiences that I’m getting in [the internship]. I get to put it on my resume that I have an air traffic control background and be able to understand that concept,” Greeff said.

With the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot, Greeff considers this the perfect experience to get himself started in the field. Considering that Professional Studies allows students to get a foot in the door in their field of interest, getting the opportunity to start on their career path early makes the Professional Studies program very valuable to many students at South.

“I think next year, I’m looking at a different internship. Aviation technology with another program would be something that I’m definitely interested in, or something to even further my background for piloting,” Greeff said.

Not only is this program important for getting a head start in a career path, but it aslo gives students the opportunity to grow as an indvidual as well as learn valuable skills that they can keep with them for the rest of their career.

“I think that [students] definitely should do it; there’s not really a lot of negatives to it. Plus, you get an experience without spending the money,” he said.

After this semester, Greeff will have an experience that will continue to help him in the future as well as a head start on his piloting career. And from now on, the dream of being able to fly can become his reality.