Debt-Free Dream
Donation protected
My name is Maddie Warner and I am a helicopter flight student desperately working to avoid a mountain of debt. I have known I would fly helicopters for a living since I was in elementary school and I have started the wonderful journey. While it is a great career choice and amazing education, it is as expensive as medical school. In the end, I will have spent about $130,000 for flight training and a Bachelor’s degree in aviation. That is enough for four Mercedes C-Class sedans! I know better than most that times are tight, but if you have a few nickels to spare, you could help me prevent the self-inflicted gunshot wound called graduation debt, that so many students today face.
ABOUT ME:
I am a community college student, working three jobs to save for flying. I plan to be an EMS helicopter pilot. Since I was tall enough to see out the window I have known that I love flying. In 9th grade I participated in a free flight career exploration program where I got to fly helicopters and learn about schools, military and options. The flight bug had bit me!
I actively participate in community service including a flagship program that I started with a local elementary school to bring college students in to prepare healthy lunches. Since jr. high school I have given over 1,000 hours of service in health care, MS research, hunger, homelessness, animals, education and civil rights. I won the esteemed Service Scholar award in high school and a service based, full tuition scholarship at my current college.
I work for FEMA on Utah’s Urban Search & Rescue team. I have a highly trained search dog and we are ready, 24/7/365 to deploy to any national disaster to search for victims trapped in rubble. We train constantly, updating our skills and knowledge to be the part of some of the best emergency responders in the nation. I also work at a vitamin/supplement store and as a mascot for the local fire department.
When I am not working or at school, I enjoy working on my mascot dance moves and stunts, hiking in the beautiful Utah mountains and writing my self-published book series, The Sprinter Trilogy. I also am always working on scholarship applications. I have applied for more than 400 since high school.
THE STRUGGLE:
If I were to take out loans, I would end up spending almost twice the money after interest payments. This has driven me to the decision to pay only cash. I live on tight budget (yes, still with my parents!) and save every penny I can for flying. To most people, that sounds miserable, but let me tell you, I am loving every minute. I am chasing my dream and I have very nearly caught it! I just need a little help getting over the peak of the mountain. So even if you can’t donate now, please share this on your Facebook page or tell your friends!
ABOUT ME:
I am a community college student, working three jobs to save for flying. I plan to be an EMS helicopter pilot. Since I was tall enough to see out the window I have known that I love flying. In 9th grade I participated in a free flight career exploration program where I got to fly helicopters and learn about schools, military and options. The flight bug had bit me!
I actively participate in community service including a flagship program that I started with a local elementary school to bring college students in to prepare healthy lunches. Since jr. high school I have given over 1,000 hours of service in health care, MS research, hunger, homelessness, animals, education and civil rights. I won the esteemed Service Scholar award in high school and a service based, full tuition scholarship at my current college.
I work for FEMA on Utah’s Urban Search & Rescue team. I have a highly trained search dog and we are ready, 24/7/365 to deploy to any national disaster to search for victims trapped in rubble. We train constantly, updating our skills and knowledge to be the part of some of the best emergency responders in the nation. I also work at a vitamin/supplement store and as a mascot for the local fire department.
When I am not working or at school, I enjoy working on my mascot dance moves and stunts, hiking in the beautiful Utah mountains and writing my self-published book series, The Sprinter Trilogy. I also am always working on scholarship applications. I have applied for more than 400 since high school.
THE STRUGGLE:
If I were to take out loans, I would end up spending almost twice the money after interest payments. This has driven me to the decision to pay only cash. I live on tight budget (yes, still with my parents!) and save every penny I can for flying. To most people, that sounds miserable, but let me tell you, I am loving every minute. I am chasing my dream and I have very nearly caught it! I just need a little help getting over the peak of the mountain. So even if you can’t donate now, please share this on your Facebook page or tell your friends!
Organizer
Madison Warner
Organizer
Salt Lake City, UT