Name: Adrian Castaneda
Age: 18
Hometown: La Marque, Texas
College: Lone Star College (Montgomery Campus) for Professional Pilot and Texas A&M Central Texas for Bachelors in Aviation Management.
Graduation Year: 2026
About Me:
Hello! My name is Adrian Castaneda, I just graduated as an early college student at College of the Mainland with an Associate’s in Business Administration this Spring of 2024. I held top positions in both academic and extracurricular realms and am found to be a distinguished leader at COM and La Marque High School (My home school). I had the opportunity to serve as President of Minority Men’s for Excellence, Public Relations Officer for Phi Theta Kappa, a Presidential Ambassador, and Treasurer for the National Honor Society. Throughout these roles, I have learned what it means to be a leader and give back. I have also had the privilege to be a face of the student body by speaking at donor luncheons and both of my graduations, hosting events on campus and traveling to state, national, and even international conferences. I am passionate about knowledge and plan to be a lifelong student.
Furthermore, I hold my student pilot certificate and plan to finish my studies as a professional pilot. I have participated in several flight academies through organizations such as Black Pilots of America, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Lewis University, 21st Century, and up next is TuskegeeNext! I have engaged in extensive networking sessions in this career field which has helped me plan my future. Next, I plan to go through US Aviation’s professional pilot program at Lone Star College and dual enroll at A&M Central to earn a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. After which, I will fly in corporate aviation or under the airlines!
Why are you passionate about aviation?
My passion for aviation started from a very young age in a very small school. I was introduced to it by two instructors, General John H. Bailey and Fred Lewis. Together, they opened the doors of what aviation truly is for me. I learned of all of the adventures that are out there waiting to be had and the connections to be made. Mostly, I learned how close-knit our community is and that makes me want to be a part of it even more.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT and how did you hear about the program?
In March of 2023, I took a trip to Tampa, Florida with a group called the Minority Men 4 Excellence (MM4E) for the Black Brown and College Bound Summit (BBCB). On this trip, the Tuskegee Next group held a small breakout session explaining their mission and vision and I attended the entire session. What really sold me was not only the grand opportunity offered, but the connections and experiences that are had by cadets. Tuskegee Next quite literally helps us spread our wings!
What are your future aviation aspirations?
In a nutshell, to become a pilot and give back! It is my dream to be able to fly for a career, corporate or airlines! I hope to also own my very own airplane and with it, the ability to show my friends and family the world! Most importantly, becoming a mentor and giving back to my community, just like what has been done for me. I hope to make an impact in my community, one pair of wings at a time.
Fun Fact:
In the summer of 2023, I began experimenting with new hobbies, both photography and videography. That same summer, I bought my first camera and began building my photography skills. Since then, I have taken thousands of photos and continue to share my passion for photography with each institution that I have been a part of, capturing memories from the ground and the skies!
Quote:
“A mile of road will only take you one mile. A mile of runway, however, can take you anywhere in the world.”
To me, this quote summarizes my view of the power of perspective. Being able to change your view and think outside of the box with an open mind can make that much more difference; especially in an aircraft!