Senior Successes: Grant Embraces the Entrepreneurial Spirit
If there is one word to describe Grant, it would be dedicated. Grant received his remote pilot’s certificate (Part 107) from the Federal Aviation Administration, set up his own limited liability company (LLC), took aerial drone photography for realtors, and combined aerial drone photography and 3-D software to help manage inventory for a mining company all before the start of his senior year.
Aerial photography via drone, a small, portable, remote-controlled aircraft that a camera can be attached to, is growing in popularity thanks to its unprecedented freedom and ease of use. YouTube videos first peaked Grant’s curiosity in this subject matter. “I think the main reason I became interested in the concept of drone photography was because of different videos on YouTube,” Grant said. “The different angles that came from a ‘helicopter view’ inspired me to go out and create my own content.”
Grant also considers Sewickley Academy an essential part in his successful business venture. Grant said that he has found a certain level of communication is expected when creating a strong business connection; Sewickley Academy helped him acquire this skill set with the unrelenting support of his academic advisor, Mrs. Cristy McCloskey. “Mrs. McCloskey is open to investigating new possibilities and helping students learn by suggesting we try new things, and by giving us the opportunity to be innovative.” He said, “Mrs. McCloskey has helped me to build my confidence along the way.” He followed his passion and interest by further educating himself.
In order to adequately prepare, Grant took the “Commercial Operation of Drones” class at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). “The class taught me the rules and regulations that would appear on the test administered by the FAA,” he explained. While this test may have taught him the necessary information needed in order to legally operate a drone, Grant had experience flying remote-controlled aircrafts since childhood. “Ever since I was young I can remember flying helicopters with my dad. This helped me with the flight mechanics and controls required to fly the expensive drones that I do today.”
Grant started his business by filming overhead video for a local sporting event, where he passed out business cards. Working at sporting events led him to work with local realtors, ultimately landing him a job with a mining company to regulate inventory. “By using GPS and a 3-D software program, accurate assessments can be made of on-site material,” he explained. “I have found this work to be particularly interesting as it combines math and the drone, both things I am interested in.”
Even though drone photography is a rewarding experience for Grant, he can’t deny that it is also a challenging one. “Taking the drone with me is often a pain,” he said. “My current drone, including all the batteries, remotes, charger, and case, weighs around 25 pounds. This gear makes it much more difficult to go out and take shots because it requires me to plan a trip in advance. The most challenging part of drone photography is framing the shot. Ironically, it’s not the settings on the camera that are difficult but rather the positioning of the drone.”
For Grant, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. He urges his peers to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. “I think that everyone should go out and do what they love, rather than wait for the perfect moment,” he reflected. “I've come to find that the perfect moment often never comes.” His advice to other students is to try new things without hesitation. “I encourage the people that have something they are unsure about to get out there and try it, even if it's only one time.”
Grant plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, and he knows that the inspiration and support he has acquired from the Academy will continue to drive and inspire him well into the future. “The confidence to be able to try new things has certainly empowered, motivated, and inspired me to become a better version of myself.”
