Dear Danielle,
My story began in a small southern Polish city, where I did not feel like I belong. Surrounded by people who used to say to me: “Dreams are only to have them. They will never come true.” I chose to believe that if I can imagine something, there has to be a way to get it.
I had been searching for my passion, which can become my profession. I wanted to help people and make a change in the world. One day, I saw a scene in a movie where a young woman flew a helicopter. I suddenly realized that aviation is my path. I trusted my instincts, transferred myself to strictly science profiled high school and took my first steps in aviation- glider lessons.
Soon enough, at the age of 16, I did my first solo flight and two years later I became a private pilot able to fly Cessna 152. I wanted to reach higher and applied to universities in the USA.
As I come from a poor family, tuition for international student was money I could never have, but I never gave up and decided to do it on my own. I moved to New York City when I was 19 years old. My immigration status did not allow me to do much but that did not stop me from getting connections and fighting for my dreams. I found few people who were aviators living in New York and helped them organize “Manhattan Flight Club” a free meetings for people who are pilots or are passionate about aviation. Meeting those people made me realize that not only I want to be a pilot, I want to become scientist and engineer. Not only fly, but discover, change and make a difference.
I needed to come back to college immediately, and I made a decision to move in London, where I have all rights as a European Union citizen. Few days later I met my current husband, the love of my life, and just recently received my first American Identification Document. A key to all the doors, on which I have been waiting for so long.
I did not know when and how I will get into college but I knew that one day it will happen, I will get my degree and become the best scientist and pilot because I had worked for it all my life and I would do anything in my power (even if that means staying patient) to achieve it.
Now, living my American dream, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity of studying at City College of New York. Every day I try to broaden my horizons and become better version of myself.
It was a pleasure to share my story with you. I hope to get to know yours as well.

Best regards
Ewelina Randall