There are many youths from around the world that are working hard today for a better tomorrow. These individuals are extraordinary athletes, young entrepreneurs, top class performers, becoming environmentally greener, or simply breaking their savings banks to assist a fellow neighbor or student.
This months extraordinary teen is Adrian Miranda, an aspiring aviation pilot of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. His quest to become an aviation pilot began four years ago, and although Adrian, like many other teens must keep up with important areas of life such as studying, homework and family time. He is aware of what’s needed in order to accomplish his goals: passion and motivation.
“If you know where you want to be, get there…then you have to stick with it… Set goals for yourself and when you achieve it…celebrate it…treat yourself!”
– Adrian Miranda
Name: Adrian Miranda
Age: 13
Hometown: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
School: Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition
Goal: To attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland
Aspiration: To fly fighter jets
Becoming ME: How long have you trained in this field?
Adrian: This will be only my third month in the Civil Air Patrol.
Becoming ME: Where is the aviation training site located?
Adrian: Witham Field in Stuart Florida
Becoming ME: What type of training is involved with learning how to fly airplanes?
Adrian: Since CAP is a civilian branch of the air force, there is just as much military training as there is in flight training. Some of texts we are required to learn are Aerospace dimensions, leadership training, and military drills.
Becoming ME: What type of safety is involved?
Adrian: For flight eligibility, you must have the right physical condition, and pre-flight safety checks. We also have a safety officer who briefs the squadron at each meeting. Many things are confidential.
Becoming ME: Were you ever intimidated with the many buttons and gears found in an airplane, if so how did you overcome that fear?
Adrian: I was not intimidated…more interested…so I was excited.
Becoming ME: What’s the most difficult part of aviation? The most enjoyable?
Adrian: Take-off and landing is the most dangerous. I enjoy the sensation of flight. It feels like a small rollercoaster.
Becoming ME: Is aviation training just about flying, or is there any book studying involved?
Adrian: Most of my training is book based. We have tests once a month. They determine whether or not you can be promoted. We also have to do physical training (PT) and drills to learn the proper way to stand, march, etc.
Becoming ME: What career path would you like to take?
Adrian: I want to be a pilot in the Navy, maybe even become a Blue Angel.
Becoming ME: Describe your personality?
Adrian: I consider myself to be an observer and I tend to stay to myself and wait for invitations to open up and then I am more inclined to participate. I have a small group of friends (3 or 4) and I enjoy my time alone.
Becoming ME: List some of the leadership roles you have had in the past?
Adrian: At school I am given leadership on deadline based projects. I am comfortable being a leader, especially if I know what I am doing really well.
Becoming ME: Give an example of when you have risen to a challenge set for you?
Adrian: Training and preparing for my diving certification. As soon as I [got] certified I went lobstering in Key West.
Becoming ME: What is the hardest decision you have had to make?
Adrian: Deciding on my path to become a pilot…air force…Annapolis…private??
Becoming ME: Who are your role models/mentors and why?
Adrian: My ex stepdad Tim…he taught me how to hunt and fish and he helped me get my dive license. He was the first one to take me up in a plane. My mom teaches us manners and communication. Also my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Schaffer, she didn’t treat us like kids. She gave me a lot of my leadership projects at school.
Becoming ME: What advice can you give tween/teens on challenging fear?
Adrian: What is this so-called fear you speak of? J If it’s serious you should just face it, otherwise little steps will help it get better over time.
Adrian is definitely an example of teens doing extraordinary things!
If you or someone you know is an extraordinary teen and you would like to share your story please leave a comment with your email address In the Who’s Doing What section, and we will conduct an interview with you as well.
Stayed tuned for more.
My name is ShaRae Kalian and I am an education and leadership advocate. I strive to bring about extreme personal humility with intense personal will to help others to succeed. I believe that the passion we have within us is the fuel that drives us and it’s the burning desire that says, “Let’s march! Let’s go after what we want.” It shows in my publications and leadership trainings. I believe that each one of us has a passion that is self-generated and a contagious tool!
