Spencer Beckett, a senior at Granville High School, plans on taking a unique path for life after high school. The new student body president and president of DECA, a business club at the high school, plans on taking his talents into the Air Force. We asked Beckett some questions regarding his unique future plans.

What inspired you to choose a career in the Air Force?

I reached out to a Granville graduate and a USAFA alumnus who talked with me about the never ending list of opportunities that the Air Force Academy can provide you. I want to work a career in which I can impact and serve the most people and I think that attending a service academy is one of the best ways to go about doing that.

Have you decided on a specific Air Force career field or job role you’re interested in?

I want to look into Aerospace Engineering. Each major has a list of jobs that you can choose, so I would like to either be a pilot or be an aerospace engineer.

How are you preparing physically and mentally for the challenges of Air Force training?

I am taking rigorous courses and stretching myself in ways I never thought I could. I am participating in multiple clubs, some of which I also lead. They search for individuals who embody leadership and service, so I have spent a lot of my time working with clubs and other organizations through which I can serve the community. Physically, I am participating in sports and training nearly every day to take my fitness exam and stay ahead of the game in regard to physical fitness.

Are you considering enlisting or pursuing an officer commission through a service academy or ROTC?

When I go to USAFA, I will become an officer. That’s part of the curriculum. Additionally, I am applying for the Air Force ROTC Scholarship which will allow me to select a university I want to attend should I not get into USAFA, and I can pursue an officer commission there as well.

What are your long-term goals within the Air Force?

I want to be a pilot. I think that flying would be a very rewarding pathway that allows me to live a lifestyle that I desire where I can travel and experience new things all while serving our country.

How do you plan to balance your educational goals with your military service?

Military service comes after graduation from the Academy. Should I attend, I will go through rigorous military training which will prepare me for my service after graduation. I am working on that now as I balance my schoolwork, sports, extracurriculars, and my personal life.

Have you spoken with Air Force recruiters or current members to gain insights into the lifestyle and expectations?

I have met with multiple recruiters and current or past Cadets who have given me valuable insight as to how the Academy functions. I have learned what a day in the life of a Cadet looks like and what I can expect to see and do when I go. The Academy is out in Colorado Springs, so it is surrounded by both desert and mountains. Cadets live a very active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors which is something that I can really see myself doing. I plan on moving out west in the future so this is a great opportunity for me to experience that type of lifestyle.

Are there any specific aircraft or missions within the Air Force that particularly interest you?

Fighter jets are really what I see myself working with. Either flying or designing them, I want to surround myself with those types of machines. I will be more than happy to work on anything I am offered, but the dream is to either fly or design fighter jets.

How will you handle the possibility of deployment and being away from family and friends?

I will not shy away from deployment. That is something that as an officer I will have to accept. Being away from friends and family will definitely be hard but I know that they have my back. I will develop new relationships which will definitely help, but I just have to remember that what I’m doing is bigger than you and me. So that’s something that I am willing to give up if it helps protect our country.

Have you researched the educational and career benefits that the Air Force can offer for your future?

Graduate school is definitely an opportunity that I am considering. That happens after a certain amount of time spent on active duty, and USAFA selects a certain amount of cadets to whom they will offer the opportunity to stay and study. Apart from the main career benefits like pensions and military benefits, the main benefit that I will take away is the fact that I am serving for the greater good. I am doing something that I am passionate about. Something that I’ve worked hard for. And something that I will, one day, be able to tell my kids and family about. Beyond serving the country, the Academy provides an experience that will change one’s life. Being able to spend my weekends out in Colorado’s beautiful scenery, the sense of fraternity of being in a squadron with my peers, and the ability to do something I am passionate about are all opportunities that I want to take advantage of in my time at the Air Force Academy.

While Beckett remains a student at the high school for the time being, he looks forward to continuing leading by example and serving his country.