Dear Friends,
We hope you had a great week.
Today’s letter is from Aanuoluwapo Ojewunmi. Aanuoluwapo Ojewunmi is the founder of Aerospace with Annie, an Online community of Aerospace, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Students. In this letter, she shares the lesson she is learning while fulfilling her childhood curiosity of working in the Aviation space.
What was the turning point for you in your life/career choice?
Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by aircraft flying and wondered how it was possible to fly at such heights, even with the effect of gravity. The turning point in my career was when I got an Aircraft Maintenance Internship at Arik Air Limited. This experience opened my eyes to the diversity of careers in aerospace and aircraft maintenance engineering and ignited my passion for Aviation too.
What was that one piece of advice that changed your life?
The one piece of advice that changed my life was to always believe in myself and my abilities. This advice came from my mother, who has always supported me and instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams and overcome any obstacles that come my way.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I deal with setbacks by staying positive and focused on my goals. I believe that setbacks are an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and that persistence and hard work will eventually lead to success. Sometimes, to be honest, I cry too, but with my Support System consisting of various people from different walks of life, I get the opportunity to share my struggles and get very amazing encouragement. Finally, I try to remember my previous wins and encourage myself to do better.
What good news/thing in the world is being overlooked?
One good news/thing in the world that is being overlooked is the progress being made in renewable energy technology. There have been significant advances in solar, wind, and battery technology in recent years that have the potential to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change. And that's why I'm also looking into having an amazing career in Aerospace Propulsion, green energy to power Aircraft.
What are three things you have done over the years that have made a big difference?
Three things that I have done over the years that have made a big difference include starting the Aerospace with Annie Mentorship program, an aerospace mentorship program for Engineering students, pursuing internships and research opportunities in the aerospace and aviation industry, and actively seeking out networking opportunities with professionals in my field. These have given me the opportunity to stand out and gain access to more opportunities and role models.
What's something that makes you feel hopeful for the future right now?
Growing awareness and recognition of the challenges that women face, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal pay, and efforts to address and overcome these challenges.
Also, increasing representation of women in leadership positions across various industries, such as politics, business, science, and technology. This makes me very hopeful for a future with Gender Equity.
What is the one piece of advice you will give to someone just starting (in your space?
The one piece of advice I'd give to someone starting out in the Aerospace and Aviation field is to be persistent and never give up on their dreams, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. I'd also emphasize the importance of seeking out mentorship and networking opportunities to learn from others and build a supportive community. This I believe is the backbone of smart work.
For people who are interested in getting into the space industry but feel it's beyond their reach due to cultural or societal barriers, my advice would be to focus on their passion and work hard to achieve their goals.
Also, I would advise seeking out a Mentor or role models who have succeeded in the space industry, and to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for space exploration. Networking and building relationships with people who can provide guidance and support can be invaluable in achieving one's goals. They can also help provide more opportunities than you have access to and improve your chances of achieving your goals.
The space industry is an exciting and rapidly evolving field, and there are many opportunities for individuals who are willing to work hard and stay committed to their goals.
What are you reading or listening to currently?
I am currently reading "Women in Aerospace Materials: Advancements and Perspectives of Emerging Technologies" and I'm currently listening to the song - "Carried Away" by Madison Bear and Surf Mensa.
Video of the Week
Opportunity Desk
Here, you will find opportunities around the world for professional development and access to funds to push you closer to the future you desire
See you next week.
Your friends,
From AllforDevelopment.
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