Ilinca is a Year 10 student at Questfield International College who already has a clear vision of her future — and she’s determined to make it happen. While many kids her age are still figuring out what they want to do, Ilinca stands out for her focus and ambition.

Ever since she was a baby, she’s loved flying. There has always been something fascinating to her about being in a plane, but it was only during her teenage years that she realised this wasn’t just a fascination — it was her calling. Ambitious, creative, and intelligent, Ilinca knows that becoming an airplane pilot isn’t an easy goal to achieve, but she’s confident that with hard work and persistence, she’ll make her dream come true.

For her TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth talk, Ilinca chose to speak about 9/11 — not only because that tragic day changed the world forever, but because it also stands as a reminder of the incredible strength people show when they stand together in the face of tragedy.