So many students are becoming pioneers, whether it is by being a first generation college student or creating nationwide campaigns, students nowadays are finding ways to distinguish themselves in every way possible. Most recently, we learned of a student who is very distinguishable and trailblazing in her own right.

Thessalonika Arzu-Embry is a 16-year-old girl who has her Master’s Degree and it now on her way to get her doctorate degree. She lives with her family at Great Lakes Naval Station.

Arzu-Embry was home schooled and started college at 11 years of age. This fall, she will be starting her Ph.D education in aviation psychology.

“I feel honored for the opportunity to help others at an early age. I feel very glad to enter college and help people,” Arzu-Embry said.

Arzu-Embry is extremely interested in the aviation industry because of her father, Carlos Arzu. As a military veteran and a private pilot, he now works as a manager at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

“I grew up around airplanes,” Arzu-Embry said. “We took flights all the time.”

She hopes that her degree in aviation psychology will help her the skills to work for companies and reduce the issues that can lead to plane crashes, which she calls “human factor errors.” By using psychology to understand when a pilot is agitated, dealing with stress, or having other issues that can negatively affect job performance can help companies avoid potential deadly mistakes in the air.

“That’s really a blend of psychology and business,” Arzu-Embry said.

Arzu-Embry has already received her Master’s Degree in Strategic Foresight and Organizational Leadership through an online program offered by Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

For her undergraduate career, Thessalonika started at the College of Lake County and then moved to Chicago State University before finishing her bachelor’s degree at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey in psychology in 2013 by completing her degree online because she traveled extensively for church and leadership conferences with her family.

On top of her academic success, she has already written three books.

Congratulations to Ms. Arzu-Embry, or should we say Dr. Arzu-Embry!

(Photo Credit: Daily Herald)