Breaking Barriers: The Inspiring Journey of Shaesta Waiz
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Shasta Ways: A Girl with a Dream
- Challenges and Determination
- Meeting Barrington Irving and Jerry Mock
- Planning the Solo Flight
- The Journey Begins
- Overcoming Fears and Loneliness
- Inspiring Youth Around the World
- Facing Adversities
- The Triumph of Shasta Ways
- Conclusion
Shasta Ways: A Girl with a Dream
In this article, we will explore the inspiring journey of Shasta Ways, a young immigrant from Afghanistan who defied societal expectations and became the world's first certified female pilot. Born in a refugee camp, Shasta had no memory of the hardships her family faced until they escaped to California. Determined to make a difference, she embarked on a path that led her to become the youngest person to make a solo flight around the world.
Challenges and Determination
Growing up in California with her six sisters, Shasta faced the challenge of balancing her Afghan heritage with the American culture she was exposed to in school. Despite being shy and afraid of many things, Shasta dreamt of accomplishing great things. With the support of her family, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, despite the doubts of those around her. Shasta's determination led her to study science and math, apply for scholarships, and graduate college as the first in her family.
Meeting Barrington Irving and Jerry Mock
During her journey, Shasta met Barrington Irving, the youngest man to fly solo around the world, and Jerry Mock, the first woman to achieve the same feat. Inspired by their stories, Shasta began to dream about making her own solo flight around the world. She flew with Barrington over Russia and Asia to learn about international flying, and they discussed the challenges of flying alone and overcoming fear. Shasta also drew inspiration from Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, who famously said, "The most effective way to do it is to do it."
Planning the Solo Flight
With her dreams set on a solo flight around the world, Shasta dedicated herself to meticulous planning. She studied charts, weather maps, and read letters and emails from children around the globe who looked forward to meeting her. Shasta's goal was not only to complete the journey but also to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Journey Begins
As Shasta embarked on her journey, she experienced breathtaking views and encountered challenges along the way. During her flight across the Atlantic Ocean, she marveled at the ocean's creatures below and faced the fear of icebergs and the possibility of falling from the sky. Despite the loneliness and doubts that plagued her, Shasta persisted, feeling the spirits of Amelia Earhart and Jerry Mock cheering her on.
Inspiring Youth Around the World
Country by country, Shasta met with youth and shared her story, inspiring them to chase their dreams. From little-known places like Cagliari and Christmas Island to faraway countries like Egypt and Fiji, Shasta's message remained the same: challenge the impossible, dream big. While facing unpredictable weather and personal hardships, she never gave up on her mission.
Facing Adversities
Throughout her journey, Shasta encountered both magical moments and challenging adversities. She soared through sunsets and clear skies on some days, while battling sandstorms and dodging lightning strikes on others. Monsoons often kept her grounded for weeks. Despite the hardships, Shasta pressed on, fueled by her determination and the excitement of the children she would meet at each stop.
The Triumph of Shasta Ways
Finally, after flying nearly 25,000 nautical miles with 30 stops on five continents, Shasta landed back at the airport where her journey began. Surrounded by family and friends, she kissed the ground, overwhelmed with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Shasta had become the first woman from Afghanistan and, at the age of 30, the youngest woman in history to fly a single-engine aircraft around the world.
Conclusion
Shasta Ways' story is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and breaking barriers. From humble beginnings in a refugee camp to becoming a global inspiration, she proved that gender and societal norms should never limit one's ambitions. Shasta's journey not only showcased her own resilience but also inspired countless young people to believe in themselves and pursue their own dreams, no matter how big or impossible they may seem.
Highlights:
- Shasta Ways, an immigrant from Afghanistan, became the world's first certified female pilot and the youngest person to make a solo flight around the world.
- Despite facing doubts and challenges, Shasta pursued her dream relentlessly, studying science and math, and becoming the first in her family to graduate from college.
- Meeting Barrington Irving and Jerry Mock inspired Shasta to dream of her own solo flight, leading her to meticulously plan and prepare for her journey.
- Throughout her journey, Shasta faced loneliness, fear, unpredictable weather, and personal hardships, but she never gave up on her mission to inspire youth around the world.
- Shasta's triumphant return to her homeland and the celebration of her achievement highlighted the impact of her story on young girls and women everywhere.
FAQ:
Q: How old was Shasta when she made her solo flight around the world?
A: Shasta was 30 years old when she became the youngest woman in history to fly a single-engine aircraft around the world.
Q: Who inspired Shasta during her journey?
A: Shasta drew inspiration from Barrington Irving, the youngest man to fly solo around the world, Jerry Mock, the first woman to achieve the same feat, and Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.
Q: What was Shasta's goal during her solo flight?
A: Shasta aimed not only to complete her solo flight around the world but also to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Q: How many stops did Shasta make during her journey?
A: Shasta made 30 stops on five continents during her remarkable journey.
Resources: None
