Choosing a career can be up in the air for many students. Such was the case for Lorenzo Rios (Class of 2021), but, that was a very good thing for him. Lorenzo was part of the very first Flight Science graduating class in Reedley College history, and is now in full flight as a First Officer for Contour Airlines, based out of Smyrna, Tennessee. He is currently working on being promoted to Captain for the airline. “Being part of the first graduating class of the Reedley College Flight Science program was challenging, but the dedication of my instructors helped give me the resilience to push on through the academic vigor required for success,” said Rios. “When I graduated, I already had all the ratings and experience required for me to accept my first job flying in regional sized jets.” In 2020, Rios was interviewed by Meg Oliver of CBS News in her national story about the Reedley College flight science program, and the efforts the college is making towards helping with a nationwide pilot shortage.
Most recently, Lorenzo returned to campus to speak to our current group of flight science students, as well as our Valley ROP students. “It was an incredible experience giving back to the school that helped me get to where I am now,” he said. Lorenzo didn’t have to look very far for advice that would eventually change his life. “My dad told me to find a career that you don’t feel as though you won’t work a day in your life, and I can safely say that I found that, and it’s thanks to the Reedley College (Flight Science) program.”
