ABOUT ZAYDEN
- From Ashville, OH
- Member of the Class of 2028
- Professional Pilot major
- Tour Guide and Student Ambassador
Three words Zayden would use to describe Kent State are: Personable, freeing, motivating.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I’m a sophomore here at Kent currently studying Professional Piloting and minoring in Aviation Management. I’m from a small town about 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio. I’m extremely involved on campus: I work as a tour guide, serve as the Philanthropy Chairman for my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, work as a Breeze Student Ambassador, Social Media Coordinator for AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives) and I'm part of Props and Pistons Festival: Social Connections Committee and Alpha Phi Sweetheart.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
When making my decision on where to attend college, it came down to where I knew I would have the most support as a student, whether that was from staff or peers. I knew I would be surrounded by people who could support me.
My brother also attends Kent and was previously on the wrestling team, so I was familiar with the campus and the surrounding area.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO FIND YOUR COMMUNITY AT KENT STATE?
Get involved! The sooner, the better. It’s very easy as a first-year student to stay in your dorm and miss out on opportunities that could change your entire perspective of Kent State. When giving tours, I always mention Blastoff, our first campus-wide event of the semester, where both new and returning students have the opportunity to get involved and find something they want to experience.
After my first college tour, I told my parents that I would be really good at [being a tour guide] and that it seemed fun. During my interview for the position, I joked that it was my dream job and here I am today, enjoying every interaction and tour group this position has given me.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
As a student member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), I have had the opportunity to join them on their semester airport tours. I have participated in tours in Columbus, including visits to John Glenn International Airport and NetJets. In April, I joined them again for another airport tour at Pittsburgh International Airport. Through these tours, I have been able to expand my connections within the industry and further develop my understanding of the opportunities available after graduation.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
During my first semester at Kent State University, I had the opportunity to take Dr. Mangrum’s AERN 25250: Elements of Aviation Weather. He was the first professor I had who taught me to truly enjoy what I was learning. He made his lectures fun and interactive, always had a joke ready and consistently made me smile.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
My favorite memory as a student at Kent State has to be Blastoff during my sophomore year. Blastoff is the first time every student is back on campus for the semester and it’s always so nice to see all of my friends again after a long summer apart.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
When completing my degree, I plan on becoming a commercial pilot. The staff and peers here push me every day to do better and become a better version of myself. Kent State has an excellent reputation for its flight program, and every industry professional I’ve had the opportunity to speak with has immediately shown me respect and taken me seriously when they hear about my involvement with Kent State.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
I would tell students to choose the university that feels right for them. Personally, Kent State has given me my best friends, lifelong memories and a new perspective on life!