Getting ready for the future

Katharine Lee '24 always wanted to be a pilot. Her love of flying and traveling began during family vacations. Every summer, she and her family would travel from her home in Jamaica. Lee was fascinated by the inner workings of an airplane, especially the cockpit, and desperately wanted to see the world from the pilot's point of view.  

When Lee researched colleges in 2021, Lynn's aviation program stood out immediately. Lynn's Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics features aviation management, a professional program and more. But the Admitted Student Experience (ASE) event—a two-day program designed for soon-to-be students to see what it's like to live at Lynn—solidified her college decision. During ASE, she felt right at home in Lynn's friendly environment.

During her first year on campus, Lee was nervous about attending college and meeting many new people. Thankfully, the anxious feeling did not last long.  

Once she started living on campus and interacting with others, Lee made a small group of friends and found a roommate from the Caribbean. Her favorite activities, going to the Fitness Center and attending the Barbeque Brawl, helped her connect with classmates. 

While the social aspect of Lee's college experience began to thrive, the coursework presented challenges and intimidation for the unknown—Lee's goal was to become a pilot. Still, she had never actually flown a plane. Lee worked hard on her studies, and by December of her freshman year, she became the fastest student in the College of Aeronautics to take to the skies.  

"It felt surreal to be in the clouds," said Lee. "The first time I was up there on my own, I was so scared. At the same time, I felt prepared, and I could see my future. I thought to myself, 'If I can do this now, imagine where I could go.'"

After her awe-inspiring experience, Lee's confidence grew. She worked to build her skills through Lynn's aviation program, which teaches flying skills and time management—a necessary skill for pilots. Her confidence expanded when she became an executive board member of the Women in Aviation Club—a group of female aviation students who motivate and inspire each other in the industry.  

As a student, Lee leveraged her professional experiences and became the airport intern at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, where she helped build promotional campaigns, plan and organize events with team members and more. 

"This year, I've seen a change in myself as I step into a professional role," said Lee. "I've started to think about my long-term career goals and I have a new mindset." 

Lee's ultimate ambition is to become a commercial pilot. Now that graduation is right around the corner, Lee is set for the next chapter. "I can't wait to have that degree forever," said Lee. "It's going to be a very happy day."   

Lee's advice for the next generation of Fighting Knights. "Take advantage of everything and be consistent. To flight students, it can get tough, but don't give up. Not everyone takes these opportunities, and you should help those who come after you and pay it forward."   

Music is everything to Fabiola Diaz '24. 

Diaz started her musical journey in Costa Rica when she was 14. There, she was captivated by the all-women's Nuestra Señora High School Marching Band, and she knew that music was her passion. She pursued the trombone at her local music school, the Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical.

"What I love most about performing is connecting with the audience," reflected Diaz. "I love to communicate my thoughts through music, and I can express who I am as a person."

When high school graduation approached in 2019, Diaz was convinced she needed to pursue music for the rest of her life. She met Brian Garcia, the administrative assistant at Lynn University's Conservatory of Music in 2017. Garcia introduced her to the program and relayed his knowledge about it to her. She successfully auditioned the following year and was thrilled to be officially accepted to the Conservatory of Music.  

"I felt like Lynn University was a hidden gem and the perfect place for me to grow my skills as an artist," said Diaz.  

During her freshman year, Lynn's campus community and numerous activities helped her stay connected. She explored Boca Raton on her bicycle, made new friends in the conservatory and got involved with campus events like Founders Day.

In Lynn's program, Diaz studied performance and business aspects of the music industry. She also gained invaluable experience interning at Palm Beach Symphony, where she helped with ticket sales and worked with donors.

"As a student, I feel more prepared now than my freshman year," said Diaz. "I see myself closer to a professional than a student. My worldview has expanded, and I see education very differently now. Lynn taught me over the past four years that I deserve to be respected, and I will carry that with me." 

Even though moving on from Lynn is bittersweet, Commencement will present an extra special touch for Diaz due to her parents visiting the United States for the first time for the event. 

For future steps, Diaz's ultimate career goal is to return to Costa Rica and help bring music to the community as much as possible. 

"The arts are struggling there, and I want to put in the work to support them," Diaz explained.  

As a performer, Diaz would love to inspire people with her music in the Boston and Chicago Symphonies one day. "I'll be coming back to participate in the alumni recitals one day. The community here doesn't stop just after four years," said Diaz. 

Taylor Schembri '24 didn't know what she wanted to pursue. 

Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, she realized she wanted to stay close to home. Schembri fell in love with Boca Raton after visiting the area while she was in high school. Known for its location, Lynn was the right university for Schembri.

But her first year was a challenge. Schembri had to make new friends and adjust to college life. She questioned whether she would fit in and find a group of friends to whom she could relate. 

"At the beginning of college, I struggled with feeling confident in myself and presenting in front of the class," said Schembri. "After getting involved and showing up, it all turned around." 

After attending fashion club meetings, Schembri found her lifelong friends. Schembri also found her calling that year when she took the intro to criminal justice course taught by Professor Sindee Kerker. In class, Schembri analyzed race and ethnicity in the criminal justice system. She became fascinated by the judicial process and began looking forward to the hands-on debates available in class. She learned how to form arguments for multiple sides, write and present ideas, and was exposed to different points of view. She also interned for the Disability Champions in Fort Lauderdale, a company that helps those with disabilities. Over time, she realized that being a lawyer was in her future. 

"I love the impact that I am making there and assisting with cases," said Schembri. "I want to keep growing my skills and help as many people as I can."

With her destiny determined, she began preparing for law school. Paul Gormley, Lynn's criminal justice professor, supported Schembri while she studied for the law school admission test. 

"The greatest thing about Lynn is that the faculty truly cares about students," said Schembri. "Professors are always there to help and share their connections. They genuinely want to see their students succeed."

Schembri wants to be a defense lawyer and attend law school after graduation. Looking back, Schembri was amazed at how much her skills had grown since being that shy freshman.  

"My advice to the next generation of Fighting Knights is to be open-minded because you never know where or when you'll find your calling," said Schembri.  

See Lee, Diaz and Schembri cross the stage on YouTube at our May 7 Commencement.