Alyssa Goleaner

My name is Alyssa Goleaner, born and raised in Belleville, Illinois and am currently a graduating senior at Belleville West. For as long as I can remember, I have had a desire to get out and explore the world beyond my small local surroundings. I suppose that comes from listening to my Mom describe her travels as the daughter of an Air Force Pilot. When I was just eight years old, my Grandpa took me to the Scott Field Heritage Air Park located in Mascoutah, Illinois. I specifically remember him telling me about his experience as a Forward Air Controller in the Vietnam War as we walked around looking at all the different aircraft. It was so fascinating. I look forward to the air show every year at Scott Air Force Base. One year, I got to sit in the right seat of a KC-135, the airplane my Grandpa flew after returning from Vietnam! As I was sitting in the right seat, I knew that one day I wanted to pursue a career in aviation. I am so excited to be enrolled at Southwestern Illinois College and on the right track to achieving my long term goal of becoming a Commercial Airline Pilot!