From propane to jet fuel: Polk State Aerospace grad goes from hot air balloons to planes
With big flight dreams, Polk State College Aerospace student Marissa Vereb has already spent a lot of time in the air – but not just in airplanes.
She was the youngest pilot to participate in the 2025 Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M, the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world with more than 500 pilots. Then just 20 years old, Vereb was featured by multiple publications, including the Albuquerque Journal and KOAT Action News, Albuquerque’s ABC affiliate.
“It was surreal,” Vereb recalled. “I felt like a mini celebrity for a week. All the other pilots were super supportive. I loved Balloon Fiesta.”
Vereb will graduate summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences on Thursday with Polk State’s134th class. Vereb aspires to become a commercial pilot and a flight instructor.
Her passion for aviation stems from her father, Fred, who owns the Tampa-based hot air balloon company, GottaFly.Fun. She has held a Commercial Balloon Pilot Certificate since 2024 and has already provided instruction for more than 30 hot air balloon flights.
“It’s something I’ve always been really passionate about,” Vereb explained. “I want to share it with other people. With hot air balloons, I like when people are able to learn and build that confidence to fly the balloon themselves.”
Just three years removed from high school, Vereb will graduate summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences on Thursday at the College’s 134th Commencement. Vereb hopes to work as a commercial pilot and as a flight instructor.
“When I’m up there, I feel free,” she added. “It’s amazing to see everything from up above. Each flight is different. Each flight is a new experience.”
Vereb holds a Commercial Airplane Certificate with an Instrument Rating. Vereb will remain in flight school to achieve her Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Certification. That, however, is not the extent of Vereb’s aviation interests.
“I’m looking at all my options,” Vereb added. “I want to be a pilot and flight instructor, but I’m also really interested in airships. It’s notoriously difficult to fly, so that piques my interest. There are a lot of new things happening with airships like carrying cargo more.”
The Polk State experience
Vereb said she learned about the Polk State Aerospace Program when researching career options as a pilot. Over her three years in the Polk State Aerospace Program, Vereb has also been a member of the Flight Team. She participated in three events at the SAFECON Region IX competition in Lagrange, Ga. in October.
“I’ve met lifelong friends through the program and Flight Team,” Vereb reflected. “I’ve learned so much. The competitions are always fun. Preparing for those has forced me to take more of a leadership role.”
In addition to the friendships, the Aerospace Program and Flight Team provided resources and support. Vereb considers Maria Jodoin, Polk State Manager for Flight Experience, to be a mentor.
“Maria is always there when you need help,” Vereb explained. “My best friend Angelica (Jung) has flown with me side by side since I entered the program and has always been there for me. Outside of Polk State, my dad has been my biggest supporter. He always wanted to fly planes, so he’s excited to see me do it.”
Since Polk State Aerospace launched in 2013, the program has experienced much success, including job placement for its graduates thanks to industry partnerships, valuable study abroad opportunities and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to save students thousands of dollars in flight-training hours. Vereb offered advice for those considering the program.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Vereb concluded. “Keep working hard and surround yourself with people who have similar goals. Find mentors to help you and keep you motivated.”