Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Alum Thaw Sue is a graduate of the Aviation and Aerospace Science Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver). Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, she moved to the United States with her family when she was five years old. Like many immigrant families, her parents sacrificed everything so their children could have a better life, with education serving as the key to unlocking future opportunities.
Thaw and her family posing after her graduation from MSU Denver
Thaw’s path toward aerospace began at George Washington High School, where career quizzes and a growing love for travel first sparked her curiosity for aviation. She once imagined herself as a flight attendant—but when she didn’t meet the height requirement, she pivoted—setting her sights higher and choosing to pursue a career as a pilot instead.
Thaw during one of her first flight experiences
She was first introduced to DSF during her freshman year of high school and remained involved through her college graduation. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “From 9th grade all the way to when I walked across the stage to receive my college degree – from Emily, my DSF College Advisor at George Washington to Liz, my DSF Campus Advisor at MSU – for almost a decade, DSF has been by my side!” She recalls that every semester was different, bringing varying challenges and opportunities, but her DSF Campus Advisor was there consistently, helping her process decisions, navigate resources, and feel encouraged to do what was best for her future.
Thaw and her DSF Campus Advisor Liz at her graduation ceremony
Thaw specifically remembers starting college in the fall of 2020, a time marked by significant challenges, a pandemic, and virtual learning. After taking a semester off to rest, reflect, and reassess her goals, Thaw returned to campus focused on pursuing her dreams, a process that was not easy. But with the help of her DSF Campus Advisor and her own unwavering determination, she remained fully committed to her flight training, gaining hands-on experience across the aviation field and getting back on track in no time.
What started as a job in the Admissions Office at MSU Denver quickly became the first step in a much bigger climb. Between classes, she kept finding ways to get closer to the world of aviation—landing an internship with Frontier Airlines, working alongside flight attendants, and gaining hands-on experience at the Colorado Air and Space Port. She didn’t stop there. She volunteered at Wings Over the Rockies, took on the high-responsibility role of Ramp Tower Controller, and even worked at the United Airlines Training Center—collecting real-world industry experience piece by piece. And through it all, she stayed deeply connected to her community, continuing her coursework while showing up for DSF as a leader and mentor through the DSF Leadership Advisory Board and DSF Mentoring Program.
DSF’s Mascot Future and Thaw posing at the Auraria campus graduation celebration
Thaw knew that when she first applied to the DSF Scholarship, she would not only receive financial support but also find meaningful opportunities to give back, including speaking on at various DSF Scholar panels and at the annual DSF Homecoming Gala in 2024 — situations that helped her grow her skill sets and embrace discomfort.
Thaw on stage speaking at the DSF Homecoming Gala
Recently, Thaw was accepted into the Federal Aviation Administration program, a step towards becoming an Air Traffic Control Specialist. She continues to fly privately and remains eager to expand her educational skills and experience within aviation so she can be a well-rounded individual and professional in the industry.
