Averett University junior Kyli Hewett was one of two students from the Commonwealth to speak at the recent Aerospace Gala presented by the Virginia Aerospace Business Association (VASBA), which was hosted Sept. 24 on the campus of Christopher Newport University.
As one of the recipients of the VASBA scholarship, Hewett was asked to share her experiences as one of two students who spoke at the gala. Hewett is double-majoring in aviation flight operations and aviation business, but she is also very active across Averett’s campus. She is a Bonner Leader, treasurer of Averett’s chapter of Women in Aviation, a resident assistant, an Averett cheerleading captain, an Honors Program student and a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, among other things.
A native of New Church, Virginia, Hewett discussed the importance of viewing failure as an opportunity for growth and success.
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“One of the mottos I live by is that when life gets hard, every challenge becomes a lesson learned and something that builds strength and character,” Hewett said. “I believe that falling gives us the opportunity to learn, rise again, and come back stronger.”
Hewett also addressed aviation as a male-dominated field and emphasized the importance of women in the industry.
“I want other women and young girls to know that they are fully capable of succeeding in aviation and should feel empowered to pursue a career in the field,” Hewett said. “The more women who share their journeys and support one another, the more women we will see sharing the cockpit in the future.”
In addition to meeting and connecting with other individuals in the aerospace industry at the gala, Hewett also enjoyed hearing from David Richwine, emeritus Langley associate, who spoke at the event.
“My favorite part of the event was listening to David Richwine’s presentation on NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstration Project,” Hewett said. “As someone pursuing a career in aviation, it was incredibly interesting to hear about the innovation and work taking place within the aerospace industry.”
Hewett was recommended as a recipient of the VASBA scholarship by Averett’s aeronautics faculty Jennifer Freeze, assistant chief flight instructor, and Travis Williams, chief flight instructor.
“I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional role models, including professors and staff who have encouraged me throughout my time at Averett,” Hewett said. “Most importantly, the flight program has given me the opportunity to flourish and discover an even deeper passion and commitment to my future in aviation. Through my training, I have grown not only as a student, but also as a more determined, disciplined, and passionate aviator.”
