Dylan DeGroot

Amazed and astonished, I couldn’t believe my eyes as I took off in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft. At 12 years old, it was my first flight lesson. The idea of flight and the ability to see the world from a different perspective was exhilarating. My mind was set, from that moment I would become a commercial pilot one day. 

Before the summer of 7th grade, I learned about Aerocamp at Mid Island Flight School. My best friend Andrew was also interested in aviation.  We decided to do the camp together. Aerocamp exceeded my expectations. Andrew and I flew together for the first time. We knew this was our future. We planned to go to Aerocamp every summer, pursue the BOCES Aviation program in high school, and go to Embry Riddle together one day. We spent time that summer watching commercial aircraft at airports. Our love for flying took off. 

Only two months later, I learned that life doesn’t always work out as planned. My friend Andrew was hit and killed by a drunk driver on September 30, 2018. The despair and devastation of losing a friend is tough. Andrew’s death impacted me in many ways and shaped the person I am today.  It wasn’t easy continuing my aviation dream without Andrew. I have chosen to take this tragedy in my life and reflect on who Andrew was by taking on challenges in a positive way and pursuing the path toward aviation that we had set out to do together.

              I continued my involvement with aviation by joining Aerochapter.  Serving as Vice President of this club has made me realize my leadership qualities and the importance of being around others who share similar interests. It is my ultimate goal to become an international commercial captain one day. I am extremely grateful to be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the Fall of 2024 with a major in Aeronautical Science. My experience from Mid Island Aerocamp, Suffolk Aviation Academy at BOCES, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University will allow me to pursue my aviation career.