Coming from Connecticut I didn’t know anyone in the aviation industry. I can’t think of any other way that door would have opened if I didn’t go to Bridgewater State.
Little did Nick Gosselin know that his decision to attend a meeting to learn more about the Bridgewater State University flight team, would lead to soaring through the Alaskan skies.
Gosselin arrived at BSU from Newtown, Connecticut, to study aviation management. To immerse himself in campus life, he went to the meeting where he also learned of a summer work program in Alaska.
“I almost didn’t go, I remember thinking I had something better to do,” the 2018 graduate joked.
But, as it is often in life, a seemingly innocuous choice led to success. He ended up taking part in the program and for three summers worked for PenAir in King Salmon, Alaska, as an operations and ramp agent.
When he was back on campus, Gosselin continued to build his résumé by towing banners for a company on Cape Cod. He also began leading piloted skydiving expeditions.
Those experiences led him to his current position as a pilot for Grant Aviation in Bethel, Alaska. His job entails flying a small-engine plane to remote villages in the state’s back country.
“The only way to access them is by air,” Gosselin said.
Not only does he transport people but also brings groceries and supplies.
“We transport everything, even the kitchen sink,” he said.
Working in Alaska, sometimes referred to as the crossroads of the world, is a dream come true for the young pilot.
“Flying up here is something else,” Gosselin said. “It’s a beautiful state and a different world from back home, especially in the more rural parts.”
Gosselin credits BSU for helping him earn his wings and encourages others to take advantage of the many opportunities his alma mater offers.
“Coming from Connecticut I didn’t know anyone in the aviation industry. I can’t think of any other way that door would have opened if I didn’t go to Bridgewater State,” he said.
And, just like he learned, going out of your comfort zone can sometimes yield amazing results.
“Dabble in everything, even if you don’t like it and it doesn’t stick it might teach you something,” he said. “You never know where you’ll meet that friend or come upon a crazy experience like being able to work in Alaska.”
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