What if the path to your greatest passion wasn’t clearly marked, but hidden behind one of several mystery doors? For Miranda Martin-Kinsman, life after graduation felt like standing on the set of the 1960s game show Let’s Make a Deal, unsure which door to choose and half expecting a goat behind at least one of them.
Aircraft electronic systems were nowhere on her radar. But when someone close to her offered an unexpected suggestion, she took a chance and opened a door she hadn’t considered before. She won the jackpot and discovered a fulfilling career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) apprentice. Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you never saw coming.
A parent’s intuition lights a new path
Before finding her wings as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) apprentice, Miranda didn't have a sense of direction for her career. “Before starting this path, I was pretty lost, actually... I knew that I didn't want to pursue [my degree] as a career, but I didn't really know what I wanted to do instead.”
The only plan she had was to reevaluate her plan. She decided to take a year off to explore her options and reflect on her future.
It was during this period of searching that a seemingly casual suggestion from her father sparked an unexpected interest. He had seen a local news report about Mohawk College’s new aircraft hangar and thought it might be a good fit for Miranda. Her initial reaction was one of disbelief: “At first when he said to me, I kind of just laughed him off. I was like, I can't fix airplanes. Like, there's no way. What are you talking about? You're silly.”
But sometimes it’s the people closest to us that see the potential we miss. As a car and small engine mechanic, her father witnessed the hands-on abilities Miranda possessed. Despite her skepticism, something about the suggestion resonated enough with Miranda to consider it.
She applied to all three Aviation Technician programs. “I remember filling out the application for all three streams... because I didn't even know which I was most interested in and, to be honest, I didn't even really know the difference between them at that point.”
There is wisdom in this method of decision making. She didn’t put herself in a box. She was completely open to all possibilities.
Tentative beginnings, amazing discoveries
Miranda’s initial commitment to the program was tentative at best. “Even when I came into school here, I thought I was going to try it for maybe a couple of weeks or a month or so, and then I would just give up if I didn't like it.” What mattered was that, despite her uncertainty, she tried something new.
What did she discover? She thrived in an environment that values hands-on learning and precision.
While there wasn’t a single “aha” moment, Miranda’s growing interest transformed into dedication. “I knew that I was interested in it, and I spent a lot of my free time studying and looking up other things aside from school... I never really had that feeling about any other career path that I had tried before.”
Creating connections beyond the classroom
The supportive environment, the smaller class sizes, and the ability to try different things in her first year contributed to her success. “I really felt like I could get the hands-on experience that I was craving.” said Miranda.
Succeeding in her program wasn’t enough, she wanted to share her passion and make more connections with her peers. She started the Mohawk Aviation Club. “We started the Mohawk Aviation Club, and it took off. I was so happy because I guess other people at the college were also needing that to fill the void of their college experience. I think by the end of the year, we had like over 120 members, which is most of the aviation campus.”
Recognition and new opportunities
Her hard work and college community engagement were recognized when she won the Academic Excellence Award for Chemical, Biotechnology and Aviation and the President’s Award of Student Excellence. “The feeling of receiving both of those awards just kind of made everything worth it. This wasn't something that I thought I was ever going to do and being recognized like that meant more to me than anything.”
Miranda’s advice: Trust the journey
Looking back, Miranda’s advice is not about having all the answers from the start but about trusting yourself and embracing the journey. “I think the more pertinent advice would be to just trust yourself and go with what you think will make yourself happy. The things you like doing are worth your time and effort, and if it is ultimately something that you want, then why not go for it 100%?”
For others, especially women, considering a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, Miranda offers encouragement rooted in her own experience:. “I think I would tell other women looking to get into this industry just to go for it and not be afraid. And even if you don't have much mechanical experience or know much about airplanes, we're all here and we're all learning, and you can always learn, and no one expects you to know everything, ever.”
Watch Miranda's story unfold
This blog post is based on the mini documentary produced by CBZ Production, offering a more in-depth look at Miranda's inspiring journey. The creators at CBZ Production felt compelled to share Miranda's story because, in their words:
“I knew when I heard Miranda's story that it's one that should be shared—not only to inspire the next generation of female AME engineers but also to teach everyone that it's never too late to find a job that excites you... If you take away anything from this story, let it be this: if you set your mind to something and have the chance to try a new opportunity, take the risk. You might discover the career that truly suits you, no matter where you are in life.”
They also highlighted how Miranda's success at Mohawk College underscores the importance of trades education and the fact that “you don’t need prior knowledge to succeed—passion and determination are key.” Miranda's journey, reflecting CBZ Production's values, demonstrates that “while reaching your goals may not be easy, determination and passion can help you push through tough times.”
Courage leads to opportunity
It takes courage to pause, reflect, and step into something unfamiliar, especially when you’re not entirely sure what’s waiting on the other side. Miranda didn’t have all the answers, but she was willing to take a chance. That choice led her somewhere she never expected: into a career she’s passionate about and a community where she thrives.
We don’t always know which doors will lead to our greatest opportunities. But it’s worth remembering life isn’t really like Let’s Make a Deal. If you open a door and discover it’s not for you, you can always close it and try the next.
Miranda’s courage to explore a new world helped her accomplish more than she ever imagined.
It makes you wonder, what future have you not even imagined yet?
