Raina Kanoff can do anything. Her philosophy is that if anyone can do it, she can. She does not see barriers to seeking opportunities in law enforcement, military service or flying an F-16. Rather, she plans to pursue each of these following her training in Francis Tuttle’s Criminal Justice program.
Both of Kanoff’s parents served in the U.S. Navy. Her mother presented the colors for President Reagan during her service in the Ceremonial Guard, and her father was an aviation engineer and tanker aircraft pilot. Kanoff knew when she was seven that she wanted to join the military and be a pilot. She has taken the first step by completing ground school and has enlisted in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
A home schooled senior scheduled to graduate in the Spring, Kanoff plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at Oklahoma State University, as well as complete flight training. The Criminal Justice program is helping her be more disciplined and learn more about leadership. Kanoff serves as PM student council president at Francis Tuttle.
Following her older brother and sister by enrolling at Francis Tuttle, Kanoff has not witnessed or been directly affected by gender stereotyping. She feels that everyone should be able to do what they must on a level field. She has already earned a nationally recognized 911 dispatch certificate, and plans to earn TASER certification in the Spring.
Kanoff states “Your goals should not be based on proving someone wrong when they say that you can’t do something, and doing it. It should be based on personal choice of what you want to do.” She adds “Peer pressure is useless.”