McCormick speaks

By: Trevor Coats

staff writer

Nick Carpenter photo

Elizabeth McCormick came to Utah State University on Wednesday as a part of USU’s common hour guest speakers. The speeches take place every week and are held in the Taggart Student Center. McCormick spoke about her time in the military and the trials she had to overcome to become a pilot of a Black Hawk in the military. She talked about conquering everything from sexism throughout training to freezing rain in the furthermost north reaches of the U.S. to accomplish her goals and her missions.

“My dad is in the Air Force and so it was pretty cool hearing about someone else’s leadership experience in the military,” said freshman Abby Beaudicocker.

McCormick has been on several national news institutions including CBS News, “20/20”, Fox News and more. She is now promoting her 6th book, “The P.I.L.O.T. Method,” which she had available half off for students at the event. She retired from the military with the Meritorious Service Medal and the rank of Chief Warrant Officer two. She has flown a variety of missions from air assault, to flying government VIPs, to military intel gathering.

“I get to choose what makes me happy and what success means to me,” McCormick said.

McCormick’s intent was to inspire students to be better leaders.

“I went to the Aggie Blue Leadership Conference a few days before school started and I learned about this through that,” Beaudicocker said.

“When you believe in yourself, others follow,” said McCormick on leadership.

“I’m just not going to worry about what people think about the choices that I make. It’s my life and I’m going to lead my life the way that I want to,” Beaudicocker said.

Throughout the lecture McCormick made sure students were actively participating.

“I’m not going to let you sleep here,” said McCormick. She stayed true to her promise, filling the stage with energy.

“Even if [the way I lead my life] is not the most common, or if it’s the path less traveled, it’s my life and I will choose what I want with it,” Beaudicocker said.

USU offers keynote speakers every Wednesday during common hour in the TSC.

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