Ben Meyer is a junior in his first year of journalism. An international student from Germany, Meyer can speak German, French and English. He is studying in the United States for a year because of his dream of becoming a pilot, which in Germany, requires proficiency in English. Meyer’s love of math and physics drove him to consider a career in aviation, along with his fascination with airports. Meyer currently lives close enough to an airport that he can hear the announcements as well as the sound of planes taking off. Meyer’s favorite aspect so far of American life is the abundance of restaurants in any given area. A self-proclaimed “food-lover,” he goes out for lunch with his host family as often as he can. When he is not trying different foods, Meyer loves playing soccer, skiing and go-cart racing with his friends. Additionally, Meyer is close to his family, whom he draws inspiration from. The best advice Meyer has ever received was from his grandpa : “Pain can’t stop you.” A few weeks before arriving in the U.S., Meyer injured his foot. Instead of taking that as a bad omen, Meyer remembered his grandpa’s advice and focused on his excitement of coming to the U.S. In coming to UPA and joining Aquila, Meyer looks forward to writing about his love of aviation as well as bringing attention to global issues like world hunger.