FLY HIGH! How to Create Senior Capstone Experiences Using Self-Directed Service-Learning Through Instructor Mentorship

Glen L. Sherman, in his article on Transformative Learning and Well-Being for Emerging Adults in Higher Education, discusses the role of "well-being" and how "transformative education" can bring students to "holistic self-knowledge" (Sherman, G. L. (2020). Transformative Learning and Well-Being for Emerging Adults in Higher Education. Journal of Transformative Education, 19(1), 29-49. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344620935623). I will showcase how a student-created, student-centered, and student-selected experience can bring self-clarification through service-learning activities. All aviation students in the Professional Pilot and Aviation Management degrees take a class, AV 4660, Senior Project, that is an opportunity for students to develop leadership and time-management skills, through teaching, community service, outreach and self-development through advanced projects. Another opportunity is AV 4750, Aviation Symposium, where students complete a "study abroad" at the world's largest airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and meet passionate aviation professionals from around the world. These courses are examples of how students can find meaning and purpose through high-impact learning experiences while at the same time passing their passion and knowledge to others, including college students, youth in the community, or future aviation students. Come celebrate success and be inspired to create your own adventures for students in your degree!