First

“The first time that I ever stepped into an airplane cockpit was when I was four years old. My family and I were migrating from my birth nation of Suriname to the United States. The first part of our trip consisted of flying from Suriname to the island of Aruba. My parents knew the pilot flying the plane that day, as he was a close family friend. During the flight, the pilot invited me to go take a look inside the cockpit, and to spend some time with him there. I remember the flight attendant holding my hand as we walked down the aisle, and wondering what was in store. When the cockpit door opened, my eyes were amazed by all the cool lights and gadgets that I saw. Since then, I fell in love with airplanes and anything related to aviation. Though I aspire to work in healthcare, I hope to one day get my pilot’s license, so that I can take off on my own journeys.” – Tim Rupnarain

BIO: I was born in Paramaribo, Suriname and Dutch is my first language. I love good food, Reggae music, poetry, and traveling. God, family, and friends are my life and my love. I am currently pursuing a career in community-based medicine, public health, and community building.