Luke Pylypciw is a senior at Union Endicott high school. He has a passion for flying planes and hosts his own YouTube channel, where he has almost 3,000 subscribers who tune in to learn more from him about aviation! You can check his channel out here: https://www.youtube.com/c/LukePylypciw/featured Luke took an SAT prep class with Strategic Test Prep over the summer. Through his hard work and determination in school and on the SATs, Luke was able to receive a substantial scholarship in Florida Tech's flight training program!
We asked Luke 20 questions to learn more about what it means to be a student with a passion. We hope his answers will help INSPIRE other students to be their best as well!
1. What is your best subject in school?
My best subject in school is business. Fortunately, Union-Endicott offers extensive curriculum from local colleges in Upstate New York. This has allowed me to build significant college credit while in high school and I have sincerely enjoyed classes such as Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Macroeconomics. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
2. What was the most rewarding experience you have had thus far?
The most rewarding experience of my life was completing my charity flight, Loop For the Troops, where I raised $15,000 for the veteran non-profit organization Hope For The Warriors. After earning my private pilots license on my 17th birthday, helping those in need gave me purpose and inspired thousands of kids to change the world by doing what they love.
3. What activity do you do that makes you feel most like yourself?
I feel most alive when I am in the air. The overwhelming feeling of freedom and the love for flight is what makes the sky feel like home. Flying has allowed me to escape the chaotic life of being a high schooler and pursue my passion that motivates me to achieve more every day.
4. What do you plan on majoring in and why?
I will be majoring in Aviation Management with Flight and plan on later earning my MBA. This major allows me to obtain all the necessary certifications to become a professional pilot while maintaining a focus on business.
5. Where have you gotten admitted/attending next year?
In the fall of 2023, I will be attending the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.
6. Why did you choose that college?
I chose Florida Tech (FIT) for the opportunity the university provides for my specific major. While many big schools like Ohio State, Purdue, and Auburn all have flight programs, being located on the Space Coast in Florida gives me a significant advantage to expand my professional network. Most importantly, I chose FIT because of the community and staff at the university. The environment to learn is incredible and their hands-on approach fits my learning style perfectly. Not to mention, I’m only five minutes away from the beach!
7. What is a study skill that you use that helps you be successful in school?
The study skill that is most effective for me is working with others. If I dedicate an hour to quizzing someone else on subject matter, I am much more likely to retain the information then simply reading over notes.
8. What motivates you to do well in school?
My main motivation in school is the understanding that in order to achieve what I’ve set out to accomplish, I have to do well in school. While some days may not be the easiest, I try to keep the end goal in mind which almost always helps alleviate stress.
9. What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
The best thing that ever happened to me was learning how to fly when I was 15. Aviation has changed my life and introduced me to one of the most amazing communities in the world.
10. What superpower would you most like to have?
I would love to have a photographic memory. Not only would this allow me to take a break from studying as hard, but would also make me feel like I’m part of my favorite TV show, Suits.
11. What superpower do you actually have?
While it may not be a comic book superpower, my ability to manage my time is nailed to a tee. I am able to accomplish whatever I set out to do simply by setting a schedule and sticking to it. I’m able to work long hours without getting distracted and don’t struggle with producing under pressure.
12. What are you grateful for?
I am incredibly grateful for my parents providing me with the opportunity that they didn’t have as kids. They have worked hard to build success from very little and have given me a life I only wish I can someday give to my kids.
13. Whom do you admire the most?
While I’m not a huge fan of social media “gurus,” Gary Vaynerchuck has been an entrepreneur I have followed for many years. Unlike other salesmen on the internet, he promotes living a fulfilled life no matter what it is you enjoy doing. I believe that happiness isn’t always about the paycheck, but rather if you are excited about getting up to work everyday.
14. Which day would you gladly re-live?
I would love to relive the day I arrived in Hawaii for the first time. I have been fortunate enough to see a good amount of the US and cannot put into words how beautiful arriving on the island really is.
15. What is your biggest fear?
Without a doubt, sharks. I have no problem getting into a 50 year old airplane to go fly, but sharks are terrifying,
16. Describe one way your parent(s) have influenced you.
My parents have taught me that they’re always multiple perspectives and to always treat people kindly because you never know what battles they may be fighting. They have also instilled into me that hard work pays off.
17. If you were guaranteed the answer to one question, what would it be?
I would love to know what it would take to achieve world peace. Turning on the news creates an overwhelming feeling that nothing between nations is good. Would this be possible to fix?
18. What’s something you hope to improve in?
I hope to improve my ability to see life through different lenses. Sometimes, I get so consumed in my fast paced life and molded in my habits that I forget everyone lives differently.
19. What’s your favorite class you are taking this year?
My favorite class is definitely College Entrepreneurship. As a 17 year old founder and son of a business owner, entrepreneurship is in my blood. My ability to think outside of the box and be creative is what allows me to run a successful company. It is nice to be getting a grade for something I already do in my life.
20. How do you feel about graduating soon?
The only word I can describe my upcoming graduation is bittersweet. While I’ll miss my high school, family, and friends, I couldn’t be more excited to start the next chapter in my life. I have squeezed all that I can out of Endicott and am definitely ready for a change in pace and scenery. Most importantly, I am ready to study what I love doing and work towards my dream of flying corporate jets around the world.
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