“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
Being human never ceases to amaze me. More specifically, the way we have new found appreciation for something at the slightest chance of losing it.
I’ve always loved my job... I can’t say there aren’t days when I’ve felt tired and overwhelmed but not once in the last two years have I said, “This is the worst”. I’ve always felt blessed and nowadays I look out the plane window with even more awe and gratitude than ever before.
If someone told me four years ago that at some point in my life, I would have had a career as a flight attendant, I would’ve said you were mistaken. As a matter of fact, I would’ve waited for the punchline to what I would’ve assumed to be a joke. The traveling aspect was definitely in my crystal ball of living my best life but working on an aircraft? Nah. Little did I know God had other plans for me and this so happened to be one of the beautiful detours that placed me exactly where I needed to be at this very moment.
Being a flight attendant is a lifestyle that took some getting used to. I had to adjust to being in different time zones. During one stretch, I was in Athens for a few days, then hopped on another flight to DR as soon as I returned to the States. Then worked a flight to NYC only to be back overseas a few days later. It wasn’t easy but I’ve learned quite a lot in these past couple of years. I’ve become even more adaptable and highly aware of my surroundings. I’ve also learned to treat people with love and the utmost respect no matter their race, religion and sexual orientation. The company I work for thrives in creating that difference and making a person feel seen.
I’ve also learned to “stay ready”.. lol but that might have come from my mom. Always keep your hair and garments looking perfect. You never know when you’ll need to go or who you’ll meet. That I can end up anywhere at any time when I’m on call.
I’ve learned valuable life and medical skills, such as utilizing an automated defibrillator or how to evacuate a plane in 90 seconds. Flight Attendants are not only versatile but excellent problem solvers, we know how to improvise and how to get along with just about anyone.
Some of the places I’ve been to, like the swings in Bali, the slave castles in Accra, shopping in Shibuya, hot springs in Iceland, wine(champagne me please) in France, pedi in DR, purchasing my favorite Chanel perfume in Czech because its cheaper( budget right), skin care in Athens and stroll through the ancient streets in Tel Aviv just to name a few. I would have probably never had these experiences in such a short span of time if it weren’t for this career. To think that I could lose it due to this pandemic is devastating but I plan on making the most of it while I’m here.
Work has changed drastically. Who would have thought I’d miss doing a full meal/ beverage service. Having the international destinations at my disposal and the excitement of meeting a fave celeb every now and then. Hugging a passenger who may just need it is all restricted now. This pandemic has impacted our world and our industry in ways that we did not anticipate. Flights overseas are limited and I have now become domestic Betty but I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity to explore the US and what each state has to offer. I have been able to spend time with long time friends in various states and enjoy Self Care Sundays now that my weekends are not booked with work.
This career has enabled me to discover so many different cultures. I have realized that we are all more connected than we think.. There is beauty in our differences. Traveling allows you to open your eyes, it humbles you in a way, when you think about it. There is so much more to life… love, a smile, a kind word or gesture is indeed the universal language of the world.
I can’t say for sure what lies ahead for the next few months, or how much longer I will have views of our world from 36,000 feet. I do know however, that whatever happens I will be ok, it’s all in God's hands.. And if he can orchestrate the waves of the sea and the stars in our galaxy, I am pretty sure I can entrust him with my life. I don’t believe that our purpose or calling is tied to a specific career or field.. But I do believe that there are spaces in which we will thrive best and I am grateful that God enabled me to serve in this capacity.
I took some time to ask some other flight attendants that I know have made the most of this career and love it just as much as I do. I asked them to share their thoughts about being a flight attendant. Hope you’re inspired and find some joy.
………..
“I became a flight attendant because I wasn’t done living. I was still hungry for adventure, hungry for life, and desired new people in my life to make it whole. The best part about being a flight attendant is I get to be a modern day adventurer and to inspire our passengers to seek out air travel to see the world and meet new people”. Tom Willard
“Being a flight attendant has really impacted my life for the better. The exposure, opportunities, & lessons I’ve experienced being a flight attendant has made me a better individual both on & off the aircraft. From meeting life long friends, to passengers interactions whether it’s memorable & positive or conflict, it’s made me the flight attendant I am today. Conflicts are an opportunity for growth so either way, It’s a win. I always knew I wanted to be a flight attendant as a little girl in Kenya. I had a flight attendant Barbie doll who had a black suitcase with stickers all over, pink handles & a blue uniform. My dad would send postcards from different places he’d been & I’d tell my mom that I’ll be flying to all those places one day! Being a flight attendant has been such a blessing not only for me but for my family. To be able to fly back to Kenya to visit family is so rewarding. The job itself doesn’t even feel like a job when you enjoy what you do! It’s a lifestyle!
Being a Purser is an exciting new role for me that I’m still navigating. It definitely requires a lot more responsibility. Establishing expectations upfront, handling conflict, writing up reports pertaining to the job whether it’s with a passenger or situation with meals or whatever it may be, it varies depending on what is going & much more. As a purser, it’s about finding harmony. A balance between your crew, passengers as well as the company. All three are entrusting you to lead and take the initiative. For me, It’s more than just the position. I strive to live up to my name Grace & be a positive influence. It’s a rewarding experience. I feel proud to wear my wings & bar across my chest. It’s an honor.” - Grace Nawade
“ The flight attendant life intrigued me. At the time I decided to become a flight attendant I had just dropped out from college and was working as a server. One day a friend that went to the same college and who also was a server came into the restaurant where I worked, in a flight attendant uniform. She just disappeared and came back as a flight attendant. I was so shocked and elated for her, I wanted to know more about this new journey. The way she described her new life, made me want to strive to have it too. So ever since that day, that was my goal and I worked fearlessly towards it. A couple of months after my 21st birthday I applied to the same company in which she was working and I got hired. That has been the best decision I have ever made in my life. Being a flight attendant makes me feel free, it makes me feel fearless, and it makes me feel powerful in a way. I get to go wherever I want, whenever I want, and I only have to answer to myself. I don’t think life can get better than that. I love the life of travel and it makes me experience things I would never have imagined if I didn’t get into this career. I believe it has humbled me and taught me how to be more patient with people because we are all different. Being able to travel is a form of therapy to me. I work just to be able to escape the United States. Most young flight attendants do, so you can only imagine how difficult this Covid pandemic has been for us. I want to do this for the rest of my life so prayerfully I’m not in the number of people who get furloughed. It’s the most amazing and fulfilling career for someone like me.”- Sophia Goulding
“I became a flight attendant to escape my pharmacy world. I was getting tired of the same old doling out meds without actually trying to find a solution to these people’s problems. My goals are broader than any employer can provide. My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to use my interpersonal skills to interact with people I would never have the opportunity to meet and also to travel places that my normal travels wouldn’t take me. Not many Black men can say “I love hiking in Bozeman, Montana” or “the city living is much more simple in Shannon, Ireland compared to cities back home. The memories, experiences, and worldly views are priceless. I’ve learned more from other cultures than I have from college level courses. My Black is beautiful and I plan to share my light with the world.”- Stephen Brown
Kommentare