Hollis Brookline High School (HBHS) alumni Joe Couto serves as an exemplar of time management as he balances his life as a flight school student, full-time employee and a member of a family. Despite his demanding lifestyle, Couto has found the perfect balance for himself and reflects on how that has changed from the past.
Most HBHS graduates do not choose to go to pilot school, however, Couto had a different plan in mind. For the past three years, he has been working on getting his ATP license and doesn’t regret his decision. “I chose to go to pilot school because it allowed me to stay debt free, work full-time and also be in school full-time,” said Couto.
Couto has a very busy lifestyle, but he manages all of his responsibilities through a large amount of self-discipline. He estimates that he has around 10 to 15 hours of homework a week. “A huge aspect is learning to be your own teacher, there is a lot of at-home study,” he explained.
While Couto does not receive any grades in pilot school, he utilizes the skills he has acquired from school and those he has learned from his job at Fulchino Vineyard. Some particularly important abilities that Couto has gained include physics, math and the ability to operate machinery, such as tractors and lawnmowers.
Although Couto has taken a different route than the rest of his peers after high school, it is one that most would not be able to handle, as it involves managing stress, performing under pressure and taking physical risks. “It can take a certain type of person, studying and staying on top of things so you are knowledgeable in the air,” he said.
Couto mentions that, while studying and dedicating yourself to your goals is important, it is also necessary to give yourself some time to relax and unwind. “Take a deep breath and find time to give yourself to relax,” he said.
Couto is enjoying his journey through pilot school and is looking forward to hopefully finishing pilot school within the next two years to continue his career in aviation.
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