We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Sarkisian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Boston, MA, raised in MA and New Hampshire. My parents were avid travelers and we went on some pretty big adventures when I was a child. The biggest and most memorable was a trip across the country for 2 months, hitting all the National Parks. Dad always took photos and mom is very artistic, so I guess I followed his steps in the photography side and my mom’s steps on the artistic side. My parents were always leaving on big trips when we were young. Peru, Asia, Armenia, Greece, Russia, to name a few, I think my love of aviation came from watching Top Gun and wishing to fly an F-14. That dream fizzled out and I became an airline pilot instead. With the benefits the airlines offer, I took full advantage of them, and traveled a huge majority of the world. I was taking photos every where I traveled, and friends and family were commenting on them telling me I should sell them. I decided to get a website designed and go from there. I do not travel now as frequently as I did then, as my schedule has changed, but I still take photos from time to time. I have a great appreciation for having parents that passed on their love of travel and adventure, and I have a huge appreciation for the beauty of the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an airline pilot. I started out taking lessons on the smallest little plane when I was in high school. I continued to fly in college and get my certificates at an aviation college. When I graduated college, I was able to flight instruct ( to get experience). My first job flying was in Raleigh, NC. I was a flight instructor and charter pilot. From there I went on to fly at the commuters for 6 years, and then on to the majors, where I have been for 17 1/2 years. I guess what separates me from others is I hold myself accountable for my actions. I learned over the years that no one else was going to do for me as much as I could do for myself. I had to study hard, because books never came easy for me, and I had to be persistent. It was certainly not easy, but time and effort helped to pay off. Now it is like second nature to me. I have learned that the person sitting to my right may be just as, or more qualified than I am. I have learned to be a leader by standing tall and representing with a positive attitude. I set the tone at work, and I have found that it sticks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My niece and her best friend came to visit for a week in June. We started out driving to Aspen, hiking up around the Maroon Bells, and spending the night in Snowmass Village. The next day we went to Marble, CO, and did a 3 hour 4 wheel drive out to Crystal Mills Falls, then went into Ouray and hit the natural hot springs along the way. In Ouray, we did a Via Ferrata, which is the cross between a hike and rock climbing, It was amazing! From Ouray, we drove over the Million Dollar Highway down into Durango. The next day we took the train to Silverton, had lunch and walked around and back on the train for the 3 hour ride back. I am attracted to people who are energetically well balanced and happy. You can find them anywhere in nature, outdoors, or even at a restaurant patio. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a really neat experience and a must see in Denver. Dillon Reservoir is a really great lake to sail on, ride a bike around, or paddle board. Telluride and Steamboat Springs are two of my favorite places in Colorado.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mom and Dad for telling me I can do anything I put my mind to. Top Gun- for showing me that the sky is the limit!
Yunus Peer for always believing in me.
Thank you to my flight instructor, Tim, who never gave up on me when I was becoming a flight instructor myself.
Thanks to my whole family who has supported my endeavors and the last minute changes to my appearances at home, the last 25 years.
Thanks to all the brothers and sisters I have at the airlines. We are all one big family and have the same interests in leading a healthy, safe career.

Website: www.sarkisianphotography.com

Instagram: sarkisianphotography

Facebook: Sarkisian Photography

Image Credits
Image credit goes to me, or the person I was with at the time (not a photographer).. friend, sister, crew member.

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