Profession and Faith Series with Derek Wilkins

On this episode of Downstream from Florida College, Dr. John Weaver sits down with Derek, a professional airline pilot for JetBlue, for a conversation about faith and keeping first things first in a demanding career.As part of our “Professions and Faith” series, Derek shares his journey from undergraduate studies to flight school and ultimately into a career in commercial aviation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the discipline, sacrifice, and persistence required to become a pilot. But beyond the career path, this episode centers on the importance of non-negotiables. Derek discusses how he intentionally chose a path within the airline industry that would allow him to pursue what he loves while still prioritizing family, church, and spiritual growth. He reflects on the pressures of a career built around travel and schedules, and why success means very little if the most important things are neglected along the way.This episode is an encouraging listen for students exploring career paths, parents preparing young adults for the future, and anyone seeking wisdom on how faith can remain central in both work and life.