Jonathan Hernandez
Age: 18
Hometown: Chicago, IL
School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Graduation Year: 2029
“I chose to apply because I believe Tuskegee NEXT will not only help launch my career as a pilot but also empower me to give back to my community and inspire others to pursue their dreams in aviation.”
About Me:
I'm very dedicated and committed to what I do. I like long distance running, archery, soccer and especially anything aviation.
Why are you passionate about aviation?
I can remember being around the age of 7, riding in the back of my dad’s car, and seeing the biggest, shiniest, toy I’ve ever seen. I was mesmerized by how high in the sky this toy made of metal could go and the sound of the ascension into the air gave me goosebumps. In my 7-year-old mind, I was seeing a toy, but as a 18-year-old young adult, I see one of the greatest machines ever made. The Boeing 747-900 that caught my attention has fascinated me ever since. This experience inspired me to take a discovery flight, and it became one of the most unforgettable moments. I was able to feel the small sports aircraft take off like a graceful bird and fly through the sky. While being handed the controls for a small moment, I knew I wanted to do this in my future.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
I've always been passionate about aviation and knew from an early age that I wanted to build a career in the industry. I was introduced to Tuskegee NEXT through my incredible mentor, Ms. Marcia Boyd, who recognized my dedication and shared this life-changing opportunity with me. I chose to apply because I believe Tuskegee NEXT will not only help launch my career as a pilot but also empower me to give back to my community and inspire others to pursue their dreams in aviation.
What are your future aviation aspirations?
I aspire to fly my family and friends while creating new memories in our flying adventures. I am very excited about what my future holds for me.
My future aspirations are to become an airline pilot for a major carrier such as United Airlines, flying long-haul routes on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In my future I also hope to start my own flight school where I can inspire the next generation of pilots like Tuskegee NEXT.
Beyond achieving my personal career goals, I’m deeply committed to giving back to my community by educating and inspiring the next generation about the aviation industry from flying drones to what it takes to pilot aircraft. I hope to serve as a mentor and role model, especially for those who, like me, once struggled to find guidance in this field.
Additionally, I dream of flying with my family and friends, creating unforgettable memories together through our shared adventures in the sky. I’m truly excited for what the future holds and ready to embrace every opportunity that comes my way.
Fun Fact:
I love long distance running and ran the Chicago Marathon in 2024, and I love competing in archery competitions. I placed 3rd in the state of Illinois and 20th in the national competition.
Quote:
“If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you can use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing.” - Chuck Yeager