"When I was about four or five, I saw an airplane in the sky. I was like, wow, look at that. And I wanted to do that," Carlos Ramos says.
The 14-year-old is already fueling up for fulfilling that dream.
"When I grow up, I want to be in the military, an Air Force pilot." Ramos has been learning how to fly airplanes since the 6th grade, as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
By 8th grade, he was Cadet Commander over 70 kids at his middle school.
This summer, he enjoyed a rare opportunity.
"I went to the OBAP, the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, and out of 2500 14-year-old contestants, I got number one. Because of my academics and what I've already done." Ramos was sent to Atlanta for a week to experience the aviation industry up close.
"Thursday they took us up flying, and Friday they took us on the simulators, and that was a crazy ride," he recalls.
Now a freshman at Richland Northeast High School, he's not quite old enough to apply for his private pilot's license. You have to be 16 years old for that.
In the meantime, he says he enjoys working hard at school.
"I have to get all A's to be a pilot. Especially in the military."
So far, he's proven to be a leader among his classmates, and a favorite among his teachers.
His recipe for this success is simple.
"Maintain your grades, talk to people, know people, and get involved."
Ramos is also an athlete, playing soccer, football and basketball.
If things continue to go the way Ramos wants, he'll be cleared for takeoff on his goals in no time.
"In ten years, I see myself in the Air Force, flying a big cargo plane."
9/18/2008 1:03:32 PM
