Cheikh Niang
Age: 18
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
School: Lewis University
Graduation Year: 2029
“I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I saw it as a great opportunity to start my career in aviation and advance in my career while honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen whom I deeply admire and look up to.”
About Me:
Hi, my name is Cheikh, and I am a dedicated aviator. I am an ambitious and goal-oriented individual. If I set my mind on something, I will achieve it. I currently attend Lewis University, majoring in aviation flight tech, and my goal is to become an airline pilot. I like giving back to my community and encouraging the youth to pursue their dreams and aspirations. My hobbies are weightlifting, trying new food, building Legos, playing flight simulator, and listening to music.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
For me, Aviation is not just a goal, it's a lifestyle. My passion for aviation began when I was a child. I would travel a lot, and every time I boarded a plane, I would always ask to go to the cockpit and talk to the pilots. It was a super cool experience to be able to go into the cockpit and see all the different controls. Since then, I became hooked, I decided that flying is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I look at the sky when I hear a plane and daydream of one day becoming a pilot. Aviation gives me a feeling like no other.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I saw it as a great opportunity to start my career in aviation and advance in my career while honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen whom I deeply admire and look up to. I also chose to apply because it is a huge steppingstone for my journey to becoming an airline pilot. I discovered the program in 2023 where I participated in the OBAP Chicago Ace Academy. During the program, I visited the Illinois Aviation Academy,where I met Brianna, who was a Tuskegee Next cadet at the time. Bri provided me with information about the program, and I also conducted my research on the program. I applied for the program, and I fortunately got accepted in.
What are your future aviation aspirations?
After I graduate from Lewis University, I plan to become an airline pilot at United and fly for Emirates later in my career and become a captain. I would also like to create a program for the underprivileged to get into the field of aviation and get the opportunity to succeed in their goals in life and pass on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Fun Fact:
My favorite aircraft is the Boeing 777
Quote:
“Don’t give up, pain is temporary, regret is forever”