Like many high school students, Lauren thought she wanted to go to college far away from home. However, when she started to research schools, Penn College stood out. After touring the aviation hangar and hearing about the hands-on approach, she realized her best opportunity was closer than she imagined. Scholarships opened the door wider.
When looking for a college, I wanted to go to a technical school. I wanted a hands-on program where most of class was spent in the lab. I also wanted a college that was helpful with finding internships and with finding a post-graduation job. Penn College met all my requirements.
I am most excited about the avionics portion of my major. Avionics are the electrical systems of an aircraft including communication and navigation. I have an interest in electricity and communications because in the Air Force, I am a radio frequency technician. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and getting more in depth into electronic systems.
It was a childhood dream to work on aircraft, but I never thought that it would be a reality. I toured the hangar at a Penn College Open House and instantly felt confident in my major choice. After being in aviation classes for the first few weeks of my first semester, we were already hands-on in the labs. I know aviation maintenance is the career path for me because I look forward to each day of class. It is a challenging and demanding program, but I am excited to pursue aviation as a career.
My dream job is to become a Combat Systems Officer in the Air Force. With a degree in aviation maintenance, I plan on commissioning. Combat System Officers are mission commanders for the weapons, navigation, electronic warfare, and communication systems in the Air Force’s aircraft. Aviation maintenance, along with avionics, will be extremely helpful with this job as it will allow me to understand the aircraft and its systems better.
I would tell them that it is an awesome school that cares about its students. All the professors that I have had so far have been great. They have been helpful with any questions that I have had about the major or with questions about college in general. Penn College has unique programs that you cannot get elsewhere.
I want to thank all of you for your generous donations to the college. Because of donations, I am getting real-life experience that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. Thank you for investing in me and my future and for helping me and so many other students achieve their dreams.
"Penn College gave me an opportunity to play my favorite sport. I am on the women’s NCAA tennis team here at the college and am grateful for the opportunity to play on a team again. I played tennis all throughout high school, but after not playing for two years, I didn’t think I would play competitively again."
Lauren Peck, Women's Tennis
Photo Credit: Ralph Wilson
Lauren spoke at the 2024 Donor Recognition Reception. A member of the Air National Guard and a Wildcats tennis player, she shared her wide range of inspiring military experiences and collegiate pursuits. Lauren noted that scholarships have helped to supplement academic expenses not covered by her Air Force service and financial aid.
Lauren serves as an RF technician in the 271st combat communications squadron. One of her recent responsibilities included setting up an Airbus Ranger 2400, a satellite dish used for secure data.
Lauren Peck, Pictured with Fellow Airman
Aviation Maintenance Technology
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