Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasia Badger
Hi Kasia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a pilot began as a childhood dream, a flicker of hope that danced in my heart as I watched planes soar through the sky. I still remember the wonder that filled me as I gazed upward, imagining myself in the cockpit, navigating through clouds and charting my own path. However, as I grew older, societal whispers told me that girls like me didn’t belong in aviation. These messages created a heavy weight of doubt, but instead of letting them extinguish my dream, they ignited a fire within me—a determination to prove that every dreamer deserves a chance to soar.
Now, as a Senior at Wakeland High School, I am actively pursuing my passion at Airplanes and Attitude flight school, working towards my Private Pilot License. Each day in the cockpit is not just about training; it is a powerful affirmation of my worth and resilience. With every flight, I remind myself of the obstacles I’ve overcome and the girls out there who dream of flying but hesitate due to fear of judgment. I want them to know: you belong here! You are more than capable of reaching for the stars!
Moreover, my journey actually extends beyond aviation. I founded and serve as the COO of STEMgirls, an organization dedicated to empowering young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through STEMgirls, I’ve witnessed firsthand how brilliant and capable girls can be when given the right opportunities. Our programs provide a nurturing environment where girls can support one another and lift each other up, creating a community that encourages pursuing dreams in fields traditionally dominated by men. By advocating for girls in STEM, I aim to ensure that aviation is seen as a viable path for every aspiring female pilot.
Furthermore, leadership is another passionate pillar of my life, exemplified by my role as President of the Wakeland High School Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter. Here, I lead a team focused on personal growth, leadership, and community service. FCCLA has provided me with opportunities to engage in projects that create real change, teaching me that the skills we develop in leadership roles can be applied to any field, especially aviation. Our team organize events promoting advocacy, community strength, and career readiness, empowering our peers to take action and make a difference. Through these initiatives, I strive to inspire young women to recognize their potential not just in everyday life but also in aviation and other STEM careers.
In addition, my involvement in the Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program has allowed me to dive deeper into aviation while fostering skills that are crucial in any profession. This program has transformed my understanding of the field, guiding me through valuable research and hands-on experiences. With the support of inspiring mentors, I have gained insights that fuel my determination to break through the barriers in my path. ISM demonstrates how mentorship can profoundly impact individual lives and communities, reinforcing my belief that every girl deserves guidance and encouragement in pursuing her dreams.
Among my proudest achievements is earning the Congressional Award five times. These accolades reflect countless hours spent advocating for my passions, and they motivate me to champion opportunities for girls in aviation. Every recognition I receive strengthens my resolve to show young women that they can overcome any challenge and pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting.
Finally, writing has always been a source of solace for me. I recently published my poetry book, “Empathy’s Embrace”, which reflects my journey and my belief in the power of connection. Through poetry, I explore our shared experiences, capturing both struggles and triumphs. My words reach out to every girl who feels unseen, reminding them they are worthy, their stories matter, and they are never alone. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire other young women to find their voice and share their stories, especially those who aspire to enter the aviation and STEM fields.
As I move closer to my dream of becoming an airline pilot, I recognize that my story transcends my individual aspirations. It embodies the hopes of every girl who has ever been told her dreams are too big or too far out of reach. I want you to hear me when I say: you belong here. Your dreams are not only valid; they are necessary. The sky is not a limit; it is a realm waiting for your unique light to shine.
So, to every girl with a dream and every woman ready to take the next step, I urge you to embrace your passions and stand strong against any doubts. You have a voice, a purpose, and a destiny that only you can fulfill. Let’s rise together, break barriers, and rewrite the narrative. The sky is ours to claim, and it’s time to let our dreams take flight.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot has been far from smooth. Like many young women, I’ve faced a myriad of challenges that at times felt overwhelming. Growing up, I absorbed the prevailing belief that aviation was a field meant for men only. Those whispers of doubt began to seep into my own self-perception, making me question whether I truly belonged in the cockpit. The struggle to reconcile my passion with societal expectations weighed heavily on my heart, and there were moments when I felt like giving up.
The logistical challenges of balancing a demanding academic schedule with my flight training added to the pressure. Countless late nights spent studying for exams while preparing for flight lessons left me exhausted. I often found myself torn between my desire to soar through the skies and the responsibilities that grounded me. Yet, every time I felt like I was being pulled in too many directions, I reminded myself of the dream that ignited my spirit in the first place. I realized that every sacrifice I made was an investment in my future, one that would empower not just me but also those girls who dared to dream of flying.
Then there was the crippling fear of failure. Learning to fly is an intricate dance of skill and intuition, filled with moments of vulnerability and growth. There were times I faltered, made mistakes, and felt the sting of embarrassment. I grappled with the fear of judgment, wondering if I would ever measure up to my own expectations. But in those moments of doubt, I discovered something profound: the power of resilience. Each setback became a stepping stone, teaching me that failure is not the end; it’s a necessary part of the journey toward greatness.
What fueled my fire through these struggles was not just the dream of flying but also my deep commitment to advocating for more girls in aviation and STEM fields. I realized that my journey was not just about me; it was about breaking down the barriers for others who might feel just as lost as I once did. My heart swelled with purpose as I founded STEMgirls, where I work to create a supportive community for young women to explore their potential in science and technology. I want them to know that they are seen, heard, and valued. They, too, can take to the skies and claim their space in the world.
Every struggle I’ve faced has reinforced my belief that dreams are worth fighting for. I’ve learned that our paths may be filled with obstacles, but it’s how we rise from those challenges that truly defines us. I am not just striving to become a pilot; I am on a mission to inspire a generation of girls to believe in themselves, to push past their fears, and to pursue their passions unapologetically.
As I look ahead, I hold onto the knowledge that my journey is part of a greater story—a story that speaks to the strength and resilience of every girl who has ever been told she doesn’t belong. Together, we can break barriers, uplift each other, and pave the way for future generations of female pilots and leaders in STEM. So, let us rise together, for the sky is not the limit; it is a realm waiting for our brilliance to shine.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is an intricate tapestry woven from my passions for aviation, advocacy, and writing. Recently, I took a significant step in my creative journey by publishing my poetry book, “Empathy’s Embrace”. This collection reflects my personal experiences, emotions, and the connection we share as individuals navigating our unique paths. Through poetry, I strive to explore themes of resilience, hope, and the power of empathy. I am proud of this work not only for its artistic value but also for its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to using my writing as a tool for advocacy. I believe that storytelling, especially through poetry, can bridge divides and foster understanding. I am currently working on a children’s poetry book series focused on girls in aviation, aiming to inspire the next generation of female pilots and dreamers. This series will celebrate the journeys of young girls who aspire to soar through the skies, illustrating that their dreams are valid and achievable. I want these stories to empower girls by showing them that they, too, can break barriers and follow their passions, just as I am doing.
Beyond aviation, my writing encompasses issues I am deeply passionate about, from gender equality to mental health awareness. I’m dedicated to shedding light on topics that matter and advocating for change through the written word. Each piece I create is a reflection of my commitment to sparking conversations, encouraging empathy, and inspiring action. I want to create a platform where my voice can uplift others and inspire them to embrace their own stories and passions.
As I continue on this journey, I remain focused on combining my love for writing with my dedication to advocating for women in aviation and STEM fields. I am driven by the belief that when we share our stories, we empower one another to rise above challenges and pursue our dreams. Each poem, each project, and each moment spent advocating is a step toward building a more inclusive world for all.
In essence, I am not just a writer; I am a storyteller, an advocate, and a passionate believer in the transformative power of dreams. My work is a call to action, urging girls everywhere to claim their space in the world, whether in aviation, STEM, or any field they choose to pursue. Together, we can uplift each other, break down barriers, and soar to new heights.
Any big plans?
As I prepare for my transition to university in less than a year, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. This pivotal step represents not just an academic journey but a chance to deepen my commitment to aviation, advocacy, and writing. I see university as an opportunity to immerse myself in an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration.
I am particularly excited about pursuing a degree in Professional Flight. This program will equip me with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a pilot. I envision myself participating in clubs and organizations that promote women in aviation and STEM, further amplifying my advocacy work. The friendships and connections I will forge in university will be invaluable as we work together to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Moreover, university will provide me with the resources and experiences necessary to enhance my writing and advocacy efforts. I look forward to engaging with diverse perspectives and exploring new ideas that will enrich my understanding of the world. This environment will challenge me to think critically and creatively, allowing me to develop projects that resonate with others and create meaningful change.
The transition to university also signifies a step toward independence, where I will continue to hone my skills in time management and self-discipline, balancing my studies, flying lessons, and advocacy work. I am eager to embrace this new chapter, knowing that every experience will contribute to my growth and the impact I hope to make in aviation and beyond.
In essence, my move to university is not just a change of scenery; it’s a launchpad for my dreams, a place where I can soar to new heights and further my mission of empowering girls in aviation and STEM. I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead and to seize every opportunity to advocate for a future where all girls can reach for the skies.
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