I am going to be a Pilot. Yep, you’ve read a right, there’s nothing wrong with your vision, I am going to be driving a plane, go to far away places and conquer the sky.

See, ever since high school I always thought I’m gonna be a programmer, the one that will discover and write the next big thing in the industry and have a desk job. Now that I got it, it hit me how boring this job is. Everyday, I go to work not caring if I came in late because I was hoping that my boss would notice it and fire me. Heck I don’t even follow their requests anymore, I do whatever I want to do in there and do my job if I feel like it.

Being a pilot (or Capt. Mark Anthony Castro, specifically) has always been my untouched dream. I guess it’s just one of those things that you never think will happen because it’s just too absurd or out-of-this-world. The movie Catch Me If You Can made me want it even more but sadly I am already in my second year in college when I’ve seen it. The recent plane ride to Hong Kong and back brought it all out of me. The runway, how the wings of the plane adjusts, the huge engines, it was like I was a kid again fascinated by these things. Worse, I was like my dad because he has a passion for those things!

One reason I didn’t pursue it is because I was always discourage by people who says that you have to have a perfect eyesight to become a pilot. I have researched around the net and as far as the FAA is concern (which has almost the same regulation as ATO) as long as it is correctible to 20/20 then you can pass the medical. Whew.

I told all my friends about my plan on taking up flight training. They think it’s just a phase or I’m crazy but I know when I’m already doing it that they will be fascinated and will definitely support me. I told my parents yesterday, my dad thought I’m not serious and my mom, well, my mom was very enthusiastic! She was so excited that her only son, if all goes well, is gonna be a pilot. She’s going to call her friend who was a pilot in Philippine Airlines and will ask all about it. And then I ask her about the biggest hindrance: money. I know flight training is hella expensive. She said, “We’ll ask your sister to help us paying for your training. I could even work again to help.”

I am so excited about this new prospect. I even think I’m out of my depression already. Since we live near the airport, on the way home, my iPod is playing “Go the Distance” from the movie Hercules. and then I looked up and saw a commercial airplane. I muttered, “soon.” and sung this wonderful line:

I’ll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong
I know ev’ry mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I’ll be right where I belong

This is your Captain, Mark Anthony Castro and I hope you have a pleasant journey.