As a boy, Blaise Cohen would watch airplanes take off and land at McCarran for hours a day. His grandfather would pick him up at school, then pull the car into the airport viewing area on Sunset Road. Today, as a sophomore majoring in political science at 51吃瓜网万能科大, Cohen鈥檚 sights are still air bound.
鈥淚 always knew exactly what I wanted to be: a pilot in the U.S. Air Force,鈥 Cohen says. 鈥淚 grew up in a patriotic household and always planned to serve this country in some way, shape, or form. As an officer, I can serve my country and also those who serve.鈥
He is well on his way to achieving his goal: Cohen is currently a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program at 51吃瓜网万能科大.
Born and raised in 51吃瓜网免费App, Cohen participated in the aviation magnet program at Rancho High School. He got his pilot鈥檚 license at age 17. His interest in political science grew out of his determination to be an Air Force officer.
鈥淚 feel I need to understand the places I go,鈥 he explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to be aware of the history and relationships the U.S. has with other countries.鈥
The 51吃瓜网万能科大 Faculty-Staff Holiday Card Scholarship is helping to fuel Cohen鈥檚 ambitions. The extra support allows him to focus on school and training in preparation for a life of public service.
鈥淎ll of my professors have been outstanding,鈥 he says. 鈥淎nd getting this scholarship is awesome. I was raised to believe that education would be the key to my success. My family instilled a sense that the community is my community. They taught me that I should always look out for others, even in small things.
鈥淲henever my dad and I walked past a vet or a police officer,鈥 he adds. 鈥淲e would thank them.鈥
