Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College aviation student Hellen Hurtado is studying aircraft operations for a career as a professional airline pilot. When asked why she chose to major in aviation, Hurtado said, “I caught the aviation bug when I was 11 years old, and I’ve been obsessed with the sky and being surrounded by planes ever since.”

“Pursuing a major in aviation allows me to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot while embarking on a career path that continues to fuel my love for flight,” said Hurtado.

“I found Bergen Community College to be the right choice for me primarily because of their exceptional aviation program,” said Hurtado, a NJ Stars student, who earned a tuition-free NJ Stars scholarship. She felt that as a NJ Stars recipient combined with the “outstanding reputation of the program director” in Bergen’s aviation program, she made the right choice to attend Bergen.

When reflecting on Bergen’s aviation program, Hurtado enjoys “being able to spend hours in the flight simulator learning new skills, practicing radio procedures, and studying the principles of flight with fellow aviation students and an experienced instructor.” She spends her time learning new flight skills and radio procedures on campus. “The presence of advanced flight simulators provided a unique opportunity for me to pursue my passion and gain hands-on experiences,” said Hurtado.

Hurtado is the president of the Bergen Community College Aviation Club, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a volunteer and member at the Women in Aviation International, a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), a member of the Latino Pilots Association (LPA), and an ambassador at Women with Wings. Hurtado was selected as a sponsored student to attend the 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference in Orlando, Florida.

As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Hurtado believes this has opened a “door of opportunities for personal and academic growth.” She believes that her “continuous dedication to her academic responsibilities,” “actively pursuing opportunities beyond the classroom,” and “taking advantage of the resources available” to her at Bergen have contributed to her success at the College. She has taken the time to learn new skills from her instructor in the flight simulator, utilize academic support services, and engage with her peers at aviation club meetings. “I’ve actively pursued opportunities beyond the classroom enriching my journey with invaluable experiences,” said Hurtado.

Once Hurtado graduates with her associate degree from Bergen Community College, her goal is to join an airline’s cadet program while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science to enhance her qualifications and expand her opportunities within the aviation field. She said, “I just hope to keep learning and making the most out of my experience at Bergen!”

She expects to graduate in 2025.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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