Polk State Aerospace and collegiate high school student aims to use aviation for mission field

For students in Polk State College’s Aerospace Program, it’s not unusual to pursue a commercial pilot’s license with the intention of flying for an airline. For Raija Fiskum, however, it’s an opportunity to reach people in need across the globe.

Now a 12th-grade student at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, Fiskum is entering her second academic year in the Aerospace Program. She wants to use her flight skills to serve as a Christian missionary. She was inspired by members of the nonprofit Mission Aviation Fellowship, who visited her former school.

“A few missionary pilots came to Winter Haven Christian School and told us a little bit about what they did,” Fiskum recalled. “They invited us to SUN ‘n FUN (Aerospace Expo). I didn’t know much about aviation but after visiting the missions table at SUN ‘n FUN, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Missionary pilots, Fiskum explained, fly mostly to remote and tribal communities throughout the world. They often travel with medical supplies, food and Bibles to spread the word and provide needed resources. Fiskum is undecided on whether or not she will pursue a Bachelor of Science – offered at Polk State in Aerospace Sciences – before beginning mission work.

“When I told my family and friends what I wanted to do, they were very supportive,” she recalled. “They’ve been there for me this entire time.”

After spending her first two years of high school at Winter Haven Christian, Fiskum transferred to Chain of Lakes for her 11th grade year. She simultaneously took classes on the Winter Haven Campus and at Polk State Airside East, which houses the Aerospace Program. She’s pursuing an Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Science. Although in the Polk State program, she trains with Flight Training 101 in Winter Haven.

“I’ve really appreciated Polk State’s flexibility,” Fiskum explained. “I take most of my classes in Winter Haven but can take classes (at Airside East) later in the day. The Aerospace Program doesn’t clash with my regular class schedule. I like that it’s local and not a real far drive.”

To help pay for her private pilot license, Fiskum was awarded the James C. Ray Scholarship through the nonprofit Aerospace Center for Excellence in December. She continues to seek scholarships for her instrument rating and commercial pilot license. Fiskum flew alone for the first time on June 26.

“With this scholarship, I’ve been able to fly more,” Fiskum added. “Both my flight school and the Aerospace Program have been excellent.”

While at Winter Haven Christian School, Fiskum played a season of varsity soccer and qualified as an archer for the National Archery in the Schools Program’s Eastern Tournament in Kentucky. Pursuing a diploma and associate degree through Chain of Lakes, however, hasn’t slowed her down. A member of the Chain of Lakes Ambassador Club and a representative for National Honor Society, Fiskum also volunteers her time with the Aerospace Center for Excellence, which encompasses the Florida Air Museum and SUN ‘n FUN. She plays varsity soccer for Winter Haven High School.

“Collegiate is a great program,” Fiskum noted. “To complete a college degree and a high school diploma simultaneously has been a huge blessing. You save so much time and a lot of money.”

Polk State’s three charter high schools allow students to complete requirements for their high school diploma while completing college credits at no cost to them. Most students graduate high school with their college degrees.

In balancing school, training and volunteering, Fiskum feels fortunate to have so much support. That includes Maria Jodoin, Polk State Aerospace Program Manager.

“The Florida Air Museum and Maria have been amazing,” Fiskum concluded. “Everyone has been very understanding as I take classes here (at Airside) and train in Winter Haven.”