GoodHeart | 18-y-o takes flight towards his dream of becoming a pilot
Published:Saturday | January 18, 2025 | 12:06 AM
Eighteen-year-old Jordan Saunders is charting a course for the skies. Living at a children’s home in Portland, he has weathered significant challenges, but his passion for aviation fuels his determination to achieve his dream of becoming a pilot. Last December, Saunders joined 75 other young people in the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) ‘Dream Supreme Flight’ programme. Designed to inspire children in state care, the initiative offered participants an unforgettable flight experience, complete with meals, games, and prize giveaways at the Grand View Hotel. But for Saunders, this was much more than just an outing. Reflecting on how rare opportunities like this can reshape perspectives, Saunders sat brimming with anticipation before the flight. For him, the experience was a stark reminder of his own humble beginnings and the opportunity he now has to get even closer to his dreams.
Growing up in a challenging environment, Saunders often encountered doubt about his ambitious goal. Reflecting on those experiences, he shared: “I’ve had family tell me I’d never become anything because of where I come from. Since then, I’ve worked even harder to prove them wrong.”
The aspiring pilot is currently honing his academic prowess, tackling Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects with the same fervour that has characterised his entire educational journey. His studies span a variety of subjects, including geography, mathematics, English, sciences, and business.
“I plan to join the Jamaican Army first,” he explained, confident that it will give him the experience and training he needs to pursue his dream. “It’s the first step toward making my dream a reality,” he added.
As Saunders anticipated his flight, the excitement in his voice was unmistakable, particularly as he looked forward to “the takeoff and the scary feeling you get as you’re going into the air.”
While Saunders hasn’t yet travelled outside of Jamaica, he dreams of exploring the world, specifically California, which has captured his imagination. “My foster parents were going to take us to California, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. But my foster mother showed me a picture of California, and ever since then, I’ve always wanted to go there. It seems pretty cool.”
As the day wound down, Saunders took a moment to express his gratitude to SVF for the experience. “I would say, keep doing the great work, and thank you for doing this for us and for treating us for Christmas. I feel so lucky that we have been chosen and we have received these gifts.”
CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency Laurette Adams Thomas expressed gratitude for this memorable experience for children in state care. “Initiatives like the Dream Supreme Flight are vital in giving children in state care the holistic and fulfilling life experiences they deserve – experiences that mirror those found in a nurturing and progressive family environment. These moments of joy and discovery are not just about fun. They help to build confidence, inspire dreams, and create lifelong memories,” she said.