For Abilene High School sophomore Ruby Fields, saying “yes” to new opportunities has opened doors she never imagined—including one that will soon take her thousands of feet into the sky.
Fields will attend the United States Air Force’s Aim High Flight Academy in San Antonio this summer, an elite three-week program designed to introduce students to aviation. The opportunity is all the more remarkable because, until now, Fields had never been on an airplane.
A driven and ambitious student, Fields transferred to Abilene High last August. She is on track to graduate with her high school diploma and an associate’s degree in medical science and art. Always eager to accept a challenge, she enrolled in Holland Medical as a sophomore—a program typically reserved for upperclassmen.
Her latest adventure took flight last summer when she and her mother, Ruby Rowe, spotted a billboard for Aim High near Abilene Regional Airport. Rowe encouraged her daughter to apply, believing it would be a unique and valuable experience.
“Everything I’ve been able to do has started with me saying, ‘You know what? The worst thing they can tell me is no,’” Fields said. “When one door closes, another one opens. Other opportunities will always present themselves.”
Encouraged further by her AHS counselor, Tina Campbell, Fields submitted her application. A few months later, while out with friends, she received the news via email—she had been selected. She left the theatre and went home to share the good news with her mom, and the two of them went out to celebrate. While eating dinner, thoughts about flying and being thousands of feet in the air began to sink in.
“Everyone in my family is scared of heights,” Fields said. “So after I found out I got in, I started thinking about that, being up in the air, and everything we’ll be doing. But I’m not nervous. My family believes the best way to handle fears is to face them head-on. Being part of the academy will be a great thing to put on a college application.”
Her resilience and fearless approach to life have already set her apart. Campbell sees her as an inspiration to others.
“Ruby is fearless,” she said. “She isn’t afraid to fail or be told no. The fear of failure or rejection kills more dreams than attempting them ever will. Ruby had that grit and determination far before walking into my office. She gets that from her Momma.”
While Fields is considering a medical career—possibly as a surgeon or ICU nurse—she’s also leaving space for new possibilities. With the flight academy experience on her résumé, she’s open to exploring aviation-related fields, including becoming a flight nurse or aeromedical physician.
So, what’s the next fear to conquer?
“The ocean,” Fields said. “So, boats are my next thing. Heights and the depths of the ocean are two of my biggest fears.”
With her fearless spirit, there’s no telling where Fields will go next.
