Emily poses on sofa and showing the beauty of student lounge.

(Photo by: Khadeeja Saleem)

Most 16-year-olds are only imagining what their future could hold. Emily Kozlowski? She is already creating it, and she has a flight plan.

“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life,” Kozlowski said.

Between college and high school classes, multiple jobs and flight training, the Johnson County Community College student is building toward a future in aviation as a LifeFlight helicopter pilot. Her schedule is packed, a little chaotic and very intentional.

Melissa Nolan, High Impact Specialist for the JCCC Honors program, describes Kozlowski as “the definition of a goal-oriented student,” noting her ability to balance professional-grade technical projects with a rigorous academic schedule. Nolan also mentions her involvement in 4H and the Type65 Project.

4H is a development organization for youth ages 5-18, which provides an inclusive community for project-based learning. Many of Kozlowski’s qualities and love of learning can be traced back to this program. The 4 H’s represent the Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

“If you have a calling,” Kozlowski said, “you better pick up the phone.”

Her path hasn’t been perfectly linear, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Before aviation, Kozlowski explored everything from anthropology to horticulture. But one discovery flight changed everything.

“When I got out of that helicopter, I looked at my mom and said, ‘Yep—this is it,’” Kozlowski said. “Helping people from the sky, that’s what I want to do.”

From motivating her peers, building cars, flying planes and sprinkling humor everywhere she goes, Kozlowski’s humor, grit and Cavalier spirit leave their mark on everyone around her. Sure, she’s stripped a few bolts, missed the Metro once or twice, but Kozlowski knows the best lessons come from mess-ups—and fun along the way.

Kozlowski spends most of her time on JCCC’s campus, maintaining a strong GPA while pursuing dual majors in automotive technology and liberal arts. Her ambitions reach far beyond comprehension.

Driven by her goal of flying emergency medical helicopters, Kozlowski has already begun flight training and shadowing professionals in the field. Kozlowski works multiple jobs, including roles in agriculture and tourism, while also contributing to hands-on technical projects through JCCC’s automotive program.

“Work ethic is my jam,” Kozlowski said. “Time management is essential with everything I do.”

Nolan also sees Kozlowski as someone who is “committed to hands-on, real-world experience beyond the classroom.”

This work ethic was indeed written all over her hands. Covered in what was surely oil, these were the hands of someone who wasn’t afraid to get things done. Not only in academia, but in her personal life as well. Kozlowski embodies carpe diem, the saying from the movie “Dead Poets Society” which translates to “seize the day.”

If there is one thing Kozlowski teaches us all, it is that people matter. Everyone has a part to play in our world. Kozlowski would say to “eat your humble pie,” and never let yourself get a big head.