“Untill I saw people who looked like me, doing things I wanted to do I wasn’t sure if it was possible”. ~ Lupta Nyongo I am Kgomotso Ramatsoga, 19 years old, born and bred in Tembisa and on a constant pursuit of becoming a private pilot. Growing up, I always sang a song about aeroplanes, to me it always brought a spark and burning desire that came with a lot of curiosity about how pilots did it and that built my interest in the career. I have a sister that studied to become a flight attendant, which also fueled my drive in aviation. All I knew was that I always wanted a career that allows me to travel the world and see it from 7000 feet above with the best views of the landscape, which pilots did. My mother was against this career as she believed that it’s male dominant, she’d encourage me to become a medical doctor or radiographer instead. Growing up I didn’t know that this is a career I’d like to pursue because there was no one I could point out as a black female pilot. A year ago I was part of the ADA #EveryBarHasAStory event, sharing the knowledge I had about aviation to the youth. The purpose of Aviation Development Africa is to inspire and empower the youth about aviation. Sharing about my dream and being surrounded by people who share the same passion as me, has left me with a heart full of gratitude. In this male dominated industry, as a young trainee pilot, I can say that women are capable of flying an aircraft. One of the main focal point with the youth today is that, it should certainly teach them that women are capable of chasing any career they have a passion for. I got to know about Aviation Development Africa through one of the founders, Boitumelo Katisi who is a female pilot and somebody who deeply inspires me in this industry. Thanks to the Aviation Development Africa team for paying it forward for all the youth all over the country. Kgomotso Ramatsoga SECTION II