Spelman Grad Makes Flying History While Training in Coast Guard

Which professionals take their flying cues from the hummingbird?

A famous brand encourages "flying like an eagle." But this time, that brand takes a back seat to the hummingbird and a helicopter, because their similarities include the wings going back and forth. The air is pushed downward, not backwards.

The early and roots and professional career of La'Shanda Holmes, 24, a 2005 Spelman College graduate seemed off to a shaky start. But she is a survivor, despite her birth mother's death at age two and being raised with the nurturing of caring foster parents and her aunt. Holmes overcame her personal circumstances and graduated magna cum laude from her high school, Massey Hill Classical, in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

She had her sights on becoming an anesthesiologist and then wondered whether she wanted to help abused children by opening a group home. However, her career insight and foundation changed and became more stable professionally as a pilot when a Coast Guard Recruiter visited the Spelman campus.

According to the AUC Digest, Senior Chief Coast Guard Recruiter Dexter Lindsey helped Holmes to make another career decision which will help her become the first African American female helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard. Lindsey said Holmes was very engaging during his recruitment visit. "She listened carefully and is doing very well. I'm not surprised that she is on track to making history as a Coast Guard helicopter pilot."

Despite the vigor, extensive training and commitment required by the program, Holmes said she would gladly recommend the program to other college students. She added, "I'm excited about the program and I want to share this experience with as many young people as possible and encourage them to stay the course and work to become whatever they want to become."

Holmes is set to graduate from the program with her wings in Jan. 2010. Although, the helicopters she flies may go back and forth, she seems to be steady with being prepared to map out new adventures.