Taylor Webster is one of PUC’s newest Pioneers. Coming from just down the hill in Napa, she chose to pursue aviation since she loves to fly. This passion began during the summer of 2023 when Taylor had the opportunity to join a free aviation program as an explorer. “I knew there was nothing I’d rather do,” she shared. “Though I love flying, I want to be an advocate for young women looking to pursue careers that they may not feel is an option for them.”

What made you decide to attend PUC? 

I was originally accepted to Embry Riddle, the largest aeronautical university in the United States. I’m sad to say I was not aware of Pacific Union College until my high school counselor, knowing about my passion, heard of the aviation program at the college and presented it to me as an option. 

What do you like the most about the program?

After experiencing the first couple of months of this program, I can confidently say that I wouldn’t recommend any other program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in Aviation. 

This program doesn’t just make you a pilot– it forms a strong decision-maker and broadens any available possibilities for every unique individual. 

How has studying at PUC been beneficial to your education and future?  

PUC allows students to find their own comfortable way to pursue knowledge, whether going out and studying as a group or finding a quiet place to gather their thoughts away from the commotion. This school targets every individual to provide the best education for their distinct situation.

What class have you taken that you think everyone would benefit from? 

I would strongly recommend flight operations. This class sounds specific to flight (it is in the name), but it is quite broad in that it strengthens our spiritual and knowledgeable minds to relate similar scenarios to our day-to-day lives.

Outside of classes, are there any activities or events your program throws during the school year? 

We have so much fun outside classes! We had an event in October where we showed the film “Sully” at our airport, where we pulled out various airplanes, ate snacks, and had a great time as a group. 

This was not an exclusive event. Anyone can come to these events and activities to have fun with friends and maybe learn a thing or two about airplanes. We usually have a lot to say. 

What did you want to be when you were younger?

When I was younger, flying airplanes was not even a thought I had, which can sound strange because most of the time, when you hear someone talking about a passion, they often have been developing their understanding of the subject for years. 

One thing I can say is when I was younger, I wanted to do something big. I remember looking up to Barbie as a kid and wanting to be a lawyer, a doctor, a firefighter, etc., just like her. I thought, “If she could achieve it, so can I”.

Can you give any advice to high school students who are interested in pursuing your major? What should they expect or prepare for? 

Take every opportunity, not just for aviation. I urge every person pursuing a higher education or following a path to explore every opportunity presented to them. 

I wouldn’t have discovered a passion for aviation had it not been for my step-mom, who found an Aviation Explorers Program in the Napa Valley Register and showed it to me. There are opportunities all around, and it is so important to act on those opportunities if they show even the slightest interest to you.

What is your favorite thing about being in the Pioneers family? 

My favorite thing about being in the Pioneers family is that it is just that! We really are all a family here, and no matter what, you won’t be excluded. We are all here to share our knowledge and time, and none of the time together goes uncherished. 

It is always comforting to know that no matter where you are, if you are struggling, stressed, or down, there are people here who will sit with you and share that space with you, and know that you’ll find some of your closest friends through these experiences.