Hi! My name is Vicky Morales. I am a senior at Vaughn College, graduating in May with my bachelor’s degree in aircraft operations. I have an associate degree in airport management with a minor in air traffic control. My mother was born and raised in Colombia and my father was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My sisters and I were born in New York City, though, and I’m proud to be a New Yorker.

My interest in aviation started early. I traveled around the country a lot growing up, competing in rhythmic gymnastics. I trained and competed for close to nine years, in venues all around the country, but eventually shifted my focus to high school and college goals. But my favorite part of these trips and our family vacations were the plane rides, walking through the airports and flying so high in the air.   I always applauded the pilots after a landing, and peaked my head into the cockpit as I walked by.

I graduated from Long Island City High School in 2010. I didn’t specifically have a career as a pilot in mind, but for a long time I had my sights set on Vaughn College. I attended the spring open house at Vaughn during my senior year in high school, and I was sold almost immediately. Everything about Vaughn College seemed so “cool” (the only word I could use to describe it to my guidance counselor).

Now, in addition to my career as a student, I work in the office of admissions at Vaughn. I split my time between classes, work and flight school. After graduation I’m going to continue flying and I’d love to help Vaughn’s future flight students, either on campus or at Heritage Flight Academy. I’ve made life-long friends and memorable experiences at Vaughn, and I’m confident that it only goes up from here.

 

Vicky1    vicky2    image1