For many alumni, the memories of ASW are a blend of community events, challenging classes, and lifelong friendships. For Alex Stoimenov, a graduate of the Class of 2021, ASW was also the launchpad that helped him pursue a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Alex to reflect on his time as a Warrior and to chart his inspiring journey toward becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Community and Resilience in Unprecedented Times

Looking back, Alex’s strongest memory of ASW was the school’s unique commitment to staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it one of the very few schools in Poland to do so. His graduating class faced the "very strange" reality of having their final grades determined by summative assessments and heavily weighted Individual Assessments (IAs) instead of traditional exams.

Beyond the challenges of the pandemic, it was the "community-driven" atmosphere that defined his experience. Alex fondly recalled events like the winter bonfire, PTO events, the close-knit nature of the IBDP community, where teachers were an integral part of the supportive environment, allowing for open and honest communication. He gave a special mention to his favorite physics teacher, Mr. Shousky, with whom he still keeps in touch, and his TOK teacher, Mr. Merritt, who he described as an "awesome teacher".

The IB Advantage: Preparation for University and Beyond

For current students navigating the demanding IB curriculum, Alex offers powerful encouragement. He affirmed that the program significantly prepared him for his aerospace engineering studies at the Swansea University he graduated from in 2024 by fostering crucial skills in critical thinking and time management. He noted that the rigorous workload of juggling six subjects, compared to the typical three in A-levels, forced him to master time management, giving him a distinct advantage over his university peers.

ASW was more than just academics; it was a place where Alex’s passion for aviation was actively nurtured. He credits his teachers for allowing him to connect his interests with his studies, from conducting a wind tunnel experiment in physics to writing about aircraft in English class. For his 10th-grade Personal Project, he even built a Schlieren imaging system to visualize shockwaves and wrote a manual on flying aircraft, showcasing the kind of curiosity and drive that defines a Warrior.

The Journey to the Cockpit

Alex's path since graduation has been a testament to his focus and dedication. He obtained his private pilot's license, completed the demanding theoretical exams for his commercial license while at university, and finished flight school in Poland. Having recently completed a multi-crew course in Dublin, he is now awaiting a final interview with one of the largest global airlines. His next step will be a four-month type rating training for specific aircraft, with the goal of flying large jets by mid-2026. His long-term ambition is to fly in the United States for a major airline like United or American, citing the superior aviation infrastructure.

Wisdom for the Warrior Community

When asked for his definition of success, Alex’s answer was both humble and profound: making his six-year-old self smile and, most importantly, being able to give back to his parents now, while they are healthy enough to create new memories together. His journey, fueled by a passion that began as a child watching air shows, offers powerful lessons for us all.

Alex leaves our community with three key pieces of advice:

Cultivate an Open Mind: Embrace a love for learning, even in subjects you don't initially enjoy. Alex shared that he once disliked coding but has now grown to find it fascinating.

Find Your Passion: Pursue an interest outside of your academic requirements. Alex believes that having a personal passion builds character, fosters creativity, and helps define who you are during your teenage years. For him, earning his pilot's license at 17 instilled a deep sense of responsibility and maturity.

Listen to Your Mentors: Alex credits his parents for their incredible support and for providing the crucial advice to secure a backup plan with his engineering studies. He advises students to listen to their parents' experience and remember that achieving your dreams is a marathon, not a sprint.

Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, a supportive community, and a passion that guides you, the sky is truly the limit. We are immensely proud to call him an ASW alumnus and look forward to seeing him in the captain's seat soon.