Sophomore Colin Asbury
While most sophomores are only worried about what grade they will receive in AP NSL, sophomore Colin Asbury worries most about when he will finally be able to fly a fighter jet in the Air Force.

Asbury has been in the Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary (CAP) for seven months. He is hoping to start training for his pilot license in the summer of 2010.

“I am definitely going to have my license as a private pilot by the end of high school,” Asbury said. “Ultimately, I want to earn acceptance to the Air Force or Naval Academy and become a fighter pilot.”

Since childhood, Asbury has had a desire to fly planes.

“I found books on [planes] back in elementary school and was captivated,” Asbury said. My great-uncle flew in the Air Force for a long time so I have a family connection as well.”

Asbury has also always wanted to go into the military and hopes that holding a pilot’s license will help give him a better chance.

“When I get in a plane I feel completely at home,” Asbury said. “I would just love having that as my job.”

During his training, Asbury attended boot camp where he used a weapons simulator, and was allowed to fly around Washington, D.C. in a cargo plane.

“It has been my dream to fly for so long that I have kind of forgotten what is was that struck me the first time,” Asbury said. “The idea has been a part of me for so long that I cannot let it go.”