SUCCESS STORIES
Aviation Flight Operations
Justin Czyzewski '07

Aviation Flight Operations is a challenging major for many, making students split time between academics and flight. Students seem to struggle with the flight training; however, the opposite was true for Justin Czyzewski ’07 from Drexel Hill, PA.

Justin is the youngest of three boys, all in college at the same time. This young man has been the first in his family to become a pilot. He is a very friendly and an outgoing person who enjoys helping others and makes sure everyone is smiling. Justin also spends a good portion of his time working for the college’s aviation center where he has worked as Chief of line Crew since his freshman year. As the Chief, he ensures that all of the college’s aircraft are secured either on the ramp or in the hangar every night. Many students view Justin as a great addition to the aviation staff and can always count on him if they have questions about the current status of planes.

During his high school years, Justin worked with the Civil Air Patrol and became the highest ranked cadet in the state of Pennsylvania. “The Civil Air Patrol is a big part of my life. I have gained both discipline and professional skills I will use through my life, but also have gained many friends that support me.” says Justin. In this organization, he was able to gain his Private pilot’s certificate before coming to college.

Coming into Daniel Webster College with his Private pilot’s certificate both helped and made his first year tougher. While most freshmen only had one flight course and were just learning the basics of flight, Justin was starting advance flight course while having to do a transition course. Justin says that he would not go back and change it for a moment! His freshman year was the best year on campus.

After his freshman year, when Justin finished with a CGPA of 2.79, things became quite a bit more challenging. During his sophomore year, he realized the hard way that DWC is not just a flight school but also a college environment. Continuing with the struggles he has had all his life in English class, Justin failed multiple courses. By the end of his sophomore year, he was put on a year of suspension from flying so that he could focus on academics.

During his junior year, Justin continued to struggle with academic classes but was able to begin flying again. By the end of his third year on campus Justin was flying but was one semester of low grades away from being suspended from college. The way this story is a success is that it shows how connected the students are to each other.

If you were to ask students on campus about Justin, or Ski as he is known on campus, most will know of his struggling time and will believe in him. When Justin was nearly suspended from the campus, many students wrote letters, e-mails, or visited this young student to show their support and respect for him. “He does so much for the flight center and never gets thanks; the least I can do is say that I support him,” says one flight student.

With the support of students, family, professors, faculty, and flight instructors Justin did not give up and continued to progress in both the academic courses and the flight courses. Even in his fifth year on campus just months away from commencement, Justin is still unsure about his future but knows he has the campus behind him.

Justin is a unique student in that he has had a rough time on campus but is happy he made the choice to go to a small college. He feels that if he was at a larger campus and had the same problems, he probably would have failed out of college. “I’m so happy to have as many people as I do supporting me and my graduation is as much mine as it is their,” says Justin.

Justin is going to continue his flight training after college back in PA by getting his flight instructor rating. He is looking into working for a local airport close to his home; however, he promises he will visit as often as he can.

This young man is a great story that is usually over-looked when people talk about such instances. Justin Czyzewski is a classic case of not giving up despite his shortcomings. Keep going after your dreams, they will come true.

As the end of the semester approaches, the nerves of many seniors are increasing. However, this year, one student walking in cape and gown will have the eyes of many watching as he walks across the stage. The 2007 Commencement will be filled with tears of joy as Justin finally completes his education and training Daniel Webster College.

Daniel Webster College.  Success starts here.  Right away.  From day one.