Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishitha Arekapudi.

Ishitha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

The idea of becoming an astronaut didn’t come from a rocket launch or meeting an astronaut, but from a middle school talk I attended unintentionally. Born and raised in Ireland until I was 12 years old, I had never heard of ongoing space exploration. As soon as I moved to Seattle, everything seemed connected to aerospace. I became deeply invested in this knowledge I had never known before and set out to explore the field.

At a Science Olympiad meeting, I stumbled upon a talk on aerospace. I took in everything said. At the time, I wanted to be an astrophysicist—however, at the time, I felt the urge to be more involved. I wanted more. I wanted to go beyond and see these things for myself. I decided then and there that I wanted to be an astronaut, even though it was far from my parents’ expectations and I had no knowledge or connections in the field.

I wasn’t willing to wait until college to begin my journey, so I found every way to start as early as possible. At 14, I thought becoming a pilot was the perfect pathway into aviation, but at the time, I didn’t know how much I would come to love it. Starting with glider training, I began my career as an aspiring astronaut.

With Sky Riders, I’m working to make aerospace and aviation more accessible for young people like me who dream big but don’t know where to start. Our mission is to break down barriers and create pathways into the field for youth of all backgrounds.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Learning that gliders were accessible at my age was akin to unlocking a door I never knew existed. It felt as though I had been handed the keys to a place I had only dreamed of. From that moment on, everything began to fall into place. I had found my direction, and I was resolute in my pursuit. From that moment, everything seemed to align, and I felt a deep sense of purpose. I was determined to pursue my dream, no matter what it took.

But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Over one winter, I committed to waking up at 5 a.m. every day to head to the airfield. The mornings were cold and unforgiving, and I often found myself scraping ice off the glider’s wings just to prepare for a flight. It wasn’t glamorous, and I wish I could say every morning ended with me soaring through the sky. Many times, the weather had other plans, and I had to pack up without taking off.

Still, I embraced every moment, even the frustrating ones, because each step—every early morning, every icy wing, every canceled flight—brought me closer to my goal. It taught me resilience and the value of perseverance, reminding me that every effort, no matter how small, is part of the bigger picture. Those mornings weren’t just about flying; they were about proving to myself that I had the dedication to pursue my dream, no matter the obstacles.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sky Riders 501(c)(3)?

Sky Riders: Breaking Barriers for Youth in Aviation. According to Boeing’s 2024 projections, the global aviation industry will need over 790,000 new pilots by 2037 to meet the soaring demand for air travel. In just over a decade, aviation will face one of its greatest challenges yet—a shortage of pilots who can keep our skies moving. At the same time, the space industry is transforming in ways once unimaginable. Some experts predict that by 2050, thousands of people could be living and working in space, paving the way for humanity’s next chapter in the cosmos. This generation, our generation, has the chance to mark milestones in human history.

Ever since the sixth grade, I knew I wanted to be an astronaut, but while going through these experiences, I always felt a lack of guidance in finding opportunities and at times I felt like everyone knew the fundamentals of aviation while I was still trying to finding out that you could fly by yourself at the young age of 14. Then, during one of my conversations with my mentor in the Experimental Aircraft Association, he showed me a chart with ages & licenses you could get. This moment

stands as one of my most fond memories — the moment I realized I could begin gliders at 14. Two weeks later, sitting in the cockpit of a glider, I began flight training. Learning that gliders were accessible at my age was like unlocking a door I never knew existed.

Throughout this journey, I also recognized that my passion for aviation extended beyond my own aspirations. I wanted to help others open doors to similar opportunities. This realization led me to establish Sky Riders, a national aerospace and aviation program for youth aimed at breaking down barriers that prevent young people from accessing aviation and aerospace opportunities, much like those I faced. Through Sky Riders, I have had the privilege of helping young individuals discover their own paths in aviation. Witnessing their excitement and growth as they take to the sky for the first time has been one of the most fulfilling experiences.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

Volunteering with the same clubs that nurtured my passion, and mentoring others to push beyond the boundaries of aviation reminds me of every sacrifice my mentors made for me. While knowledge permeates this community, it is matched with genuine compassion and humanity. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, instructors, and the entire aviation community for their guidance, knowledge, and inspiration. Your dedication to excellence has shaped my passion for flight and your support has been invaluable. I would also like to thank Jesse D. Hayes IV who is the President of the Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club, for his mentorship and scholarship support, and to the Civil Air Patrol for their scholarship through the Cadet Wings program, which made my dream of earning a pilot’s license financially possible. Jim McGauhey the former president of EAA Chapter 84 and a mentor has been there since the very beginning. He has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, introducing me to the opportunities of flight. Marlene Nelson from Puget Sound Soaring has been another pillar of support throughout my journey. I would also like to say a special thanks to Simulation Flight in Mukilteo, Washington for providing vital support that enhanced my preparation and helped to achieve my milestone through Captain Charlie Jackson. And of course, I would like to thank Eileen Bjorkman for her endless support and encouragement through this journey and in her role as the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 84 President. All of your support has been instrumental in my success, and I would not be where I am today without you.

Pricing:

• Cleared for Takeoff: Bridging Gaps to Access for Youth in Aviation ($14.99)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nasa.starbound
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishitha-arekapudi-044aa2301/