Stephen Adebola
Age: 19
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
School: Middle Georgia State University
Graduation Year: 2027
“Tuskegee NEXT is an opportunity to develop not only myself as a pilot, but as a person as well while working with individuals from different backgrounds with great aspirations in the industry.”
About Me:
I am a junior at Middle Georgia State University. While I am majoring in Aviation Science and Management, I also picked up a major in Information Technology earlier this spring. My future aspirations in the flight industry are to fly commercially or corporate. My interests and hobbies are aerospace, technology, video games, reading, anime, fitness, cooking, and editing.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
Ever since my first flight on an airplane, I knew that I wanted to work in the industry. It was on that flight when I looked out the window and saw the amazing view above the clouds that I knew this was what I wanted to do every day for the rest of my life. I realized that there was so much out there to learn and see, so many different people, cultures, and lifestyles to meet, and becoming a pilot would give me a first-class seat to these new experiences and perspectives.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
I was able to hear about Tuskegee NEXT thanks to Caleb Hall, a graduate of Tuskegee Next in 2024, and my fellow OBAP members. While I initially entered this as a chance to earn my license over the summer, it was much more than that. Tuskegee NEXT is an opportunity to develop not only myself as a pilot, but as a person as well while working with individuals from different backgrounds with great aspirations in the industry. Tuskegee NEXT’s mission to grow the industry through teaching aspiring aviators inspires me to continue the legacy left by the Tuskegee Airmen.
What are your future aviation aspirations?
While I have a basic outline of the different paths I can take in this industry, every day I learn more than I knew yesterday and the world continues to change as well. It is impossible to know what tomorrow will bring but it is important to know the direction you want to go in, as well as the goal you want to reach. Currently, I would like to finish my education at Middle Georgia State and finish with my two degrees. Next, I would like to work as an instructor, either at my school or potentially at Tuskegee Next, and work towards working in an airline or corporation.
Fun Fact:
Before I wanted to be a pilot, I was considering becoming an astronaut. Also, I enjoy watching drone racing.
Quote:
“Every great journey begins with just the courage to take the first step, no matter how small.” ― Manuel Corazzari