Flying High With Ayinde Chism
Tuskegee University 2020
Aerospace Engineering & Physics
Ayinde Chism’s kind heart and infectious smile always warmed the Alive & Free classroom. He never shied away from helping a fellow student with their work and always offered his friendship. He is one of our 250 college graduates, earning his degree this year in Aerospace Engineering & Physics from Tuskegee University.
“Alive & Free taught me to trust the process and not let my circumstances dictate my behavior. I unintentionally waited a year after graduating high school to begin college and I feel that time really helped to prepare me for school. I was able to get into Alive & Free’s College Prep program during that time which was instrumental for me. It honed me in. I didn’t know the course was going to be that intense. I appreciated how Ms. Demetra, Don Strand, and Ms. Estell broke down writing, math, and life skills for me. I remember the day I forgot to bring my contract and Ms. Estell pulled me to the side and said, ‘Don’t ever forget to be prepared.’ That helped me to start making checklists. I really learned a lot and avoided a lot of potential challenges. I was able to work a lot of things out while I was in the College Prep class. I learned how to map out a plan, to identify my goals and list my next steps. “
While at Alive & Free, Ayinde was able to take his time to decide on which college would be best for him and his budget.
“My dad & I went to an HBCU college fair and met the representative from Tuskegee University who shared that going to the school changed his whole life because it was more than a school, it was family. That’s exactly what I wanted. He gave me a pin that said ‘Future Tuskegee Student’ and I wore it with pride.”
While on campus, Ayinde enrolled in the ROTC program.
“I enjoyed learning about our military’s history and I fell in love with the program and the people in it. It was a big family, the same way I viewed Tuskegee and Alive & Free. I also liked the marching, the uniforms and I appreciated the structure. I find honor in the service.”
Ayinde continued to create goals as he reflected on what he really wanted to do in life.
“I was always in awe of planes. As a kid, I loved watching the Blue Angels. The idea of being a pilot reemerged when my mom bought my dad & I tickets for a flight simulator. It was my first time in a single engine plane with a flight instructor who let us take over the controls. I knew I wanted my private pilots license then. The application to be a pilot is one of the hardest things to do. It took 2 years to get my pilot slot and the day they announced it was the same day they brought a 97-year old Tuskegee Airman to talk to us. It was inspirational.”
This past September, family and friends were able to watch Ayinde’s ROTC Commissioning Ceremony over Zoom as he earned the rank of Air Force 2nd Lt. Ayinde Chism. His parents attached golden bars to his uniform with large smiles on their faces, proud of the achievements their son continues to earn.
“My go-to Coachism is, ‘Don’t let your circumstances dictate your behavior.’It applies and reminds me that I can never control the circumstance, but I can control the way I respond. I’ve learned to deal with adversity and I’ve excelled because I didn’t give up. I still have to put in the work and there will be things that aren’t favorable, but that doesn’t change my mission to do well. “
Congratulations Lt. Ayinde Chism! You have made us all proud.
