My name is Shyanne Smith. I am 18 years old, and I am a second-year UCSD student studying Communications with a minor in American Sign Language. I am an FAA Certified Part 107 drone pilot, which means I am able to fly drones commercially. I received this certification through a program called Girl’s Take Flight at the Elementary Institute of Science, which is where I now work as an instructor. I am also part of a program called Our Genetic Legacy, where I fly drones that have LIDAR Technology in order to map historical sites for a virtual museum we created. I have also launched my own aerial photography and Videography business called “Shyanne Smith’s Professional Drone Services”.
I was born and raised in San Diego, Specifically the Rancho San Diego area. I went to Holly Drive Leadership Academy for k-8 and went to Health Sciences High and Middle College for 9-12. I have two sisters and a bunny named Mr. Blue. During my free time, I like hanging out with friends and family, reading and writing. My favorite color is pink, and my favorite animal is an elephant.
About Shyanne Smith
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently, I work at the Elementary Institute of Science as a Drone Instructor, and I have loved every minute of it! My favorite part is watching girls like me share the same interest in drones that I have. I enjoy helping them get their Part 107 certification and showing them about career paths they may have never considered or heard of. I also work at the UCSD Black Student Union as an access coordinator, and I am so blessed to have this position and absolutely love it. My favorite part is doing work that makes a difference and inspires black high school students to pursue higher education. I especially love when I see a student I worked with committing to a 4-year university or trade school.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The best advice I could give to people is that you only fail when you stop trying. Whatever goal you are trying to achieve, work hard, remember your worth is not defined by the goal, and remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13)
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see myself as a journalist and a pilot. I see myself traveling the world and writing about all of my travels.
Shyanne Smith & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of my favorite restaurants in my community are Hilbertos Taco Shop and VaniTea in Rancho San Diego. I also really like “The Thai Joint” on Adams Avenue, and I grew up loving and still love Taco Salsa in National City. Lastly, I really like Original Pancake House in Clairemont.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Rancho San Diego for as long as I can remember. However, a community that had a huge impact on me is City Heights. I went to High School in City Heights, and that is when I developed a love for the area. It is, to this day, my favorite area in San Diego because of the nostalgia I get whenever I am there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is the support I have received from the members of my community. Every single step of the way, I have had amazing mentors, organizations, and people go the extra mile to make me feel supported. People like Brad Webber from Local Umbrella Media, Shellie Baxter from Our Genetic Legacy, Desi Ekstein and Kitrina Carr at the Elementary Institute of Science, My small group leaders at Shadow Mountain Community Church, and so many others have made sure I was aware of the support I have. I think that is so special, and I am truly grateful for all of the community members I have come into contact with!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
If I could have lunch with anyone today, I would choose Angela Davis. Angela Davis is a huge role model to me, and I have looked up to her for as long as I can remember. I would probably want to meet her somewhere near UCSD as she used to go there, and I am a current student there.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is The Hate U Give
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Something interesting about me most people don’t know is I share a birthday with my sister, who is four years younger than me.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
There are a few things I would rate a 10/10. The Bible – especially the book of Ecclesiastes, the Guts album by Olivia Rodrigo, Tubing/ any boat activities, and Firm Foundation by Maverick City
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom inspires me to be better because she is such a strong and amazing woman who supports me in every way she can.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Acceptance, Comfortable
