Just Keep Walking By Kyle Warkentin

Just Keep Walking

By Kyle Warkentin

(Images by Kyle Warkentin, 2021)

I remember going to the park beside the airport with my grandma when I was about four or five years old. I remember hearing the sounds of the engines roar and the smell of the jet fuel burning on climb out. I remember staring at those planes with awe and wonder and I remember the feeling I got inside my stomach—that feeling of excitement, adrenaline, pure happiness. Those memories carried me through my elementary and high school years. I was obsessed with flying. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I knew that by joining Air Cadets when I was 12 years old, that I would one day achieve my Private Pilot’s License, and from there anything would be possible.

Once I left the structured world of high school and Air Cadets, I was left to find my own direction, with many paths to choose from.

Unfortunately, I did not listen to myself 100%, and took a path that did not lead me to where I ultimately wanted to be. I was told, “You should go into nursing, there will always be a job,” and boy, were those people right, especially in the age of COVID-19! At the time, I was also somewhat inspired to enter the health care profession, as I was accustomed to helping my single-mother mom over the years. She suffered from numerous mental health challenges and I was always there for her when she needed the assistance. Sometimes this distracted me from my own path forward, but never do I (and nor will I ever) regret those decisions to help. My mom has given me so much hope and encouragement throughout my whole life—she would have done anything for me. It was an honour to be able to help her.

While I was not completely into the idea, the money talked, and I went for a nursing career anyway. I entered nursing school, completed three years, and realized how much my heart was not in it.

(Images by Kyle Warkentin, 2021)

“What a waste!” many would say, however, it was a life lesson for me. I learned many valuable skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I ended up withdrawing from nursing school and completing my bachelor’s degree in Community and Public Health instead.

Years went on, and I finally returned to aviation. Money that I could have used towards flying went towards medical expenses and other related needs, so flight training has now become a pay-as-I go expense. That is my plan now—keep on trekking, keep flying. Recently, I achieved my multi-engine rating, and I have been building hours and studying for the written exam to complete my CPL. Life goes on. I tell myself consistently, one small step at a time. Sometimes when those steps seem thousands in the making, you achieve tiny victories and realize that the light at the end of your journey is soon approaching, and a new challenge is about to begin.

The moral of my story is always follow your dreams—today and tomorrow. Stick to what your heart truly wants. If you fail to follow that, you will grow up with regrets and sadness. Now that I am 30, I likely could have been flying with the major airlines by now, but my journey led me off course a bit. Now I am tracking back and have found my true course, with a destination of my dreams being achieved, one way or another. Just keep walking, you will get there, I promise.