Friends come into our lives for a reason. For 18-year old Daniel Cianov ’21, it was his close high school friend Edward Carmona who proved to be the driving force that inspired Cianov to pursue an associate degree in occupational studies (AOS) at Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI).

Finding his way to Vaughn

Deeply rooted in his Russian and Jewish heritage, Cianov was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York before moving to his current home in Queens. Throughout his early years, he always believed he would work in the medical field, following in the footsteps of his family. But something changed along the way. “As I got older, I realized working in the medical field wasn’t for me,” Cianov said. “I was lost for a while until my friend approached me two months before high school graduation and told me about the ATI program at Vaughn.

Launching his future

Cianov was excited about Vaughn. He researched all the information he could find and knew the College would be the turning point to guide him toward his future. “I was never a great student,” Cianov said humbly, “but I have always been good at using my hands. Studying to become an aircraft maintenance technician was never on my radar, but thanks to my friend, my passion became my future profession.” Both Cianov and Carmona enrolled at Vaughn in the summer of 2019 and, according to Cianov, they have not looked back since.

Gaining hands-on experience

Growing up, Cianov recalls fond memories of helping his father, Abraham, with various tasks around the house. “My father taught me the importance of knowing how to use my hands,” he explained. “He is a jeweler by trade, which requires skill and precise techniques.”

At Vaughn, Cianov said the hands-on skills he is learning are a perfect fit for him. The mechanical skills involved in airframe and powerplant maintenance operations has validated his passion for working as an aircraft maintenance technician. “The professors teach you everything from the ground up,” he said. “The curriculum is the perfect balance of lecture and lab. Everything you need to know is presented professionally and carefully so the students have a full understanding of the material.”

Having a good support system

Having the full support of his family was an important factor for Cianov to pursue his degree at Vaughn—but affording his education came at a price. “I wasn’t sure how I could afford a college education,” he said. “I learned of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and took it a step further. I am grateful to be a part of the program and the opportunity it afforded me to pursue my degree.”

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program is an important part of life at Vaughn, and its mandate closely follows the College’s own: Providing economically and educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of both HEOP and Vaughn is to help provide a broad range of services to students who—because of academic and economic circumstances—would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet have the potential and desire to obtain a college degree.a

Like son, like father

Abraham’s excitement for his son to work in the aviation industry has inspired him to possibly pursue a career in this field as well. At this time, Abraham is considering enrolling at Vaughn in the future to begin a new career path for himself.

Looking to the future

Cianov is working toward completing his coursework in the AOS program so he can move on to taking the airframe and powerplant licensing exams. He said he plans on working in the New York area and eventually earning his private pilot license.

“There comes a time when you just know you’re in the right profession,” said Cianov. “I owe it all to my friend. I know I’m not there yet, but I have no doubt I’m on the right path for a bright future.”

Are you interested in a career as an aviation maintenance technician? In as little as 16 months, Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute can prepare you for a high paying career as a certified airframe and powerplant technician. Interested in learning more? Sign up for our next Info. Session on July 22 at 6 p.m. – you’ll receive the opportunity to apply for FREE and a chance to win a $500 scholarship. In addition, learn how you can take advantage of Vaughn’s HEOP program which may include a variety of services including workshops, supplemental financial assistance, counseling, tutoring in several subject areas and more.