4 minute read
Student Spotlight: Dylan Kowlessar
By: Dominic Popolo ⁄ News Editor
There are few students who have achieved as much as Dylan Kowlessar has in a semester at Embry-Riddle in their entire college careers. Even if you think you don't know Dylan, you've probably crossed paths with him at least once: as the friendly face behind the RA desk, a student in fight ops, or even at an SGA General Session where he spoke during his tenure as the Editor-in-Chief of The Avion.
Now an amazing copy editor for The Avion, I got the chance to speak with Dylan about his journey to college, where it has taken him, how he plans to soar in the future, and what Embry-Riddle means to him.
An international student from Trinidad and Tobago, Dylan’s college story, like many others around the globe, was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally intended to start in July 2020, he was deferred until January 2021. While frustrating, Dylan took it in stride and became a substitute teacher at his former high school until he was able to start college. Dylan elaborated that teaching “was easily one of the best things I did in my life.” Through this initial setback turned blessing in disguise, Dylan learned his passion for mentoring others. With pandemic restrictions lifted, he was ready to move to Daytona Beach with this newfound passion and prepared to begin flying and making a difference in student’s lives.
Coming to a new country alone is daunting, but Dylan did not let that stop him from getting involved on campus. He quickly became involved in the Caribbean Students Association and The Avion, which helped him build a community away from home and create lasting connections and friendships. Using the experience he gained as a mentor, Dylan began his mission to help improve the atmosphere for students on campus wherever he could.
As mentioned earlier, Dylan has previously served as both Editor-in-Chief of The Avion and as a Senior RA in New Residence Hall 2. As Editor-in-Chief, Dylan spearheaded the addition of the broadcast program to the division, helping bring The Avion to different media formats and earning campus-wide praise and national recognition for the project from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).
As a senior RA, Dylan led 16 RA's and more than 600 students as they navigated residence life in the dorms. When asked about his proudest achievements in his leadership roles, Dylan mentioned the ability to "[create] somewhere that students felt welcome and as a place that students would leave as better people, with new skills, and memorable experiences."
Dylan is involved in numerous RSOs on campus as a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the Pickleball Club, the Caribbean Students' Association, and the Airport and Airline Management Club. He has also become involved in the Sodexo Culinary Council, which helps to give dining feedback to Sodexo, and with International Admissions as a student representative on the International Admissions Council. On top of this, he has spent time employed by the Hunt Library, the Honors Program, Student Engagement, and most recently, as one of our two copy editors here at The Avion.
From sports to academics to work, Dylan has undoubtedly made his mark on Embry-Riddle in his short time here. When asked what Embry-Riddle has meant to him for the last three and a half years, Dylan responded: "My time at Embry-Riddle has not been without its trying moments, but l am so grateful for every experience, and every lesson learnt. Embry-Riddle is home."
Currently a senior Aeronautical Science major and set to graduate in December, Dylan is looking ahead to what steps life has in store. After graduation, Dylan hopes to return to Trinidad and Tobago and work in fight operations of their home airline, Caribbean Airlines.
There is so much to take away from the story of Dylan Kowlessar, whether it is the perseverance received after a setback, a goal to make life better for others, a calling to get involved, or the ability to build a community where people will feel welcome. So, the next time you run into Dylan, be sure to say hello to one of the friendliest and most passionate students to have ever walked the halls of Embry-Riddle.
