Jennifer Gray

About me

I moved to America in March 2021 to be an Au Pair. After I finished 2 years as an au pair, I started to attend a flight school in New Orleans, Louisiana to work towards my Private Pilot License which will allow me to advance towards the other ratings and certifications I need to become a commercial airline pilot. 

Left school

June 2020

Senior Phase

In S4 I achieved National 5 (SCQF level 5) in Maths, English, Graphic Communication, Spanish, German, History and Physics.

In S5 I achieved Higher (SCQF level 6) Maths, English, Spanish and History.

In S6 I achieved Higher (SCQF level 6) German and Physics and Advanced Higher (SCQF level 7) History.

Choosing my Destination

My parents helped a lot, but mostly I had to figure it all out myself. I didn’t know anyone who had done it before and so I had to navigate my way through! Choosing to go to flight school was a hard decision to make because it meant staying in America even longer. I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for the support of friends and family back home, as well as the support of my host family here in Louisiana.

Extra Curricular & Work Experience

I did work experience at an airport and that gave me the opportunity to learn more about flying which I am now trying to pursue!

Skills I've developed

Moving abroad gave me the chance to learn so many new things and have new experiences. I can stand up for myself now, I’m more comfortable talking to new people and I learned the importance of communication. There were a lot of hardships and problems that arose with this journey that I was able to get through which I’m proud of. I also travel alone which taught me that you have to be able to trust yourself and be there for yourself when no one else will be. 

My Advice

I wish I joined more clubs and socialised more. It’s important to put yourself out there and make healthy habits when you’re young, they are so much harder to implement when you’re older. 

It’s important to know that you have plenty time. You don’t have to have everything sorted out by the end of high school. Don’t force yourself into something that you are not 100% willing to do for yourself. Try new things and you’ll surprise yourself with what you are capable of.