We flight attendants each have a story to share. We all walked different paths with one common goal. This is my path to my wings. From being a farm girl to kasambahay in our province to a blue-collared worker in Taiwan, to finally an international flight attendant, nothing is indeed impossible. Allow me to share you my story.
It all started with a dream, an impossible dream
Back in the days when I was a child, I always look in the sky and I often see a plane flying freely while helping in the farm. I would run to my father and tell him that someday I will work there and pursue my dreams. After which, I would then reach out my hand towards the plane flying above and wave goodbye till it disappears in my sight.
Sadly, I faced constant discouragement from my cousins and neighbors. They tease and mock me, saying that I will never become a flight attendant because they would label me as ugly and dark skinned. However, my Papa Meo, being a supportive father that he is, would continue to uplift my spirit saying “of course you will fly, my daughter. Why not!”
My early days in the farm to being a kasambahay just so I can finish school
Despite being born in a not-so well-off family, I worked hard helping out in a farm just to earn an extra P15.00 or approximately 0.30 US cents a day. I worked as a kasambahay for a rich family back in our town just so I can finish my degree in a university. However, I felt hopeless about landing a job in our country. Desperation had set in because I just wanted to move our family out of poverty.
I promised myself that I will not stop dreaming and give my family a better life which led me to work overseas. I worked in Taiwan for 3 years as a factory worker, then moved to the Middle East wherein I worked in sales for four years. Things were indeed going my way somehow. Despite forgetting my cabin crew dream, I continued with my life and got married abroad. I was blessed with twin boys.
Living in the Middle East
I concentrated being a mom living abroad with my kids. Reality has then set-in. I was faced with a lot of bills to settle every month. Though I wanted to be a stay-home mom, I needed to get back to work because the bills are piling up, on top of regularly sending out monthly remittance to my family back in the Philippines.
A month after I delivered the twins, I received news about an opening for a sales position in the airport which had a better offer. At the same time a friend ask me to accompany her as she wants to apply as a flight attendant at Jazeera Airways since it was in the same location. I then accompanied her with no other plans at all. While waiting for her in the reception, this nice lady receptionist approached me and ask me why I did not submit my CV too. Despite realizing that being a flight attendant was my childhood dream, I just smiled but did not bother to consider it because I was chubby, I am married, and I just delivered babies!
An opportunity to become a flight attendant presented itself
My confidence level that time was way below zero. I just told her “no ma’am I do not think this is for me. How can I? I am married and I am a mom too.” She just replied “so? just give it to me if you have.”
Well even if I was hesitant and overflowing with insecurities, I gave it a try. To my surprise days later I was called for an interview! I was so overwhelmed. Just being called out for an interview seemed like a dream. After all these years, I finally got to turn my childhood dream to a reality. I gathered enough courage even if I did not know well how-to put-on make-up. Yet, I dressed up well and did my best!
I got accepted for flight attendant training! Dreams can come true!
Training and graduating!
Things were not over because I still had to pass the intense training. I had no idea about anything and everything inside the aircraft. I thought being an F.A. means you will basically work inside the aircraft and serve the passenger’s needs. However, it was far from that. You must undergo a lot of safety trainings, must know all the equipment used onboard, how to use them in case of an emergency and much more! I even thought at some point that I might not be able to continue because I failed in one exam, but I did not give up.
I studied day-in day-out because I had but one last chance to prove I deserve this!
With all my dedication, sleepless nights, and sheer hard work, I finally did! I passed!
Thanks to our best “dad” and instructor in my airline! My dream has finally come true! I am finally a flight attendant of Jazeera Airways!
It was a magical moment for me, and my life has changed completely! From a farmer girl walking and working barefoot in the rice fields, I am now walking with a trolley in my hand in an elegant uniform, high-heel shoes and neatly done hair and make-up.
Finally a flight attendant
I am now travelling here and there! I would sometimes wake up in my hotel room in the middle of the night in shock and ask myself, where am I? Typical cabin crew thing. At some point though, I felt guilty for my kids especially during layovers because I was away from them for a day or two. However, I can’t imagine myself starting over again. It was a dream come true for me and I do not want to waste the opportunity that was given to me. As the saying goes, opportunity comes once in a life time, the memories, routine and experiences was something that I truly treasure as long as I live.
Now more than 14 years as a flight attendant, the world changed completely due to the covid-19 pandemic. No one was ever ready for it, and that included me. March of 2020, companies were laying-off employees, businesses were closing, bankruptcy, lockdown, airports closing all over the world, families everywhere are suffering from low salaries to half salaries or even to no salaries due to a no-work-no-pay scheme. The worst part, people are dying.
Covid-19 pandemic and getting laid-off
August 18, 2020 the day I can never forget. For the 2nd time around, another lay off was announced in my airline and I was part of it! As I was signing my termination paper a lot of things in my mind but I can’t utter a single word as I was still in shock. The world that I have had for the past 14 years is about to end. However, as I was asked to sign the paper, I was given hope not to lose faith. Eventually when things get better, they will then ask for a recall and I was guaranteed a spot. With a blind-eye, I just signed the paper and left that room with that little hope that eventually everything will be better once again.
Sitting at home jobless, was an everyday struggle and agony. I even lost trust in some people as they started throwing negativities, telling me to give-up going back as the airline industry has a very low chance on regaining its glory, that I should just option for any job.
Almost 2 months have passed and there was no news yet. I tried once again to get a hold of myself. With the help and support of real friends, I tried to accept everything and be positive once more. Depression set-in, to the point of having thoughts of just jumping out of the window. Being surrounded with real good people and my love for my kids is stronger than anything else in this world.
Getting recalled and regaining my wings
October 12, two months after my retrenchment, I finally received a call from my airline asking me if I am interested in returning back to work, though there is no promises nor guarantee when is the exact date for us to be given a normal roster or normal flight. Without any hesitation, I said YES! Days after, I received my re-training schedule to update my license in preparation, for us to fly again anytime soon!
God indeed work in mysterious ways. I know it is still a long journey but at least this is it! There is already something to look forward to. I thought I will be resting my wings for good, but it just rested for a while. I will be back in the sky once more to continue what I started.
Thank you!
To my fellow sky angels, never ever lose faith because one day, what is meant to be will always find its way back to you. Possibilities are as endless as the sky, so do not stop searching and just keep on believing.
With all my heart I thank all the people whom I found comfort during difficult times. To my father Papa Meo, whom I know is watching me from above, I hope I make you proud for the woman that I have become. My sister Emz who supported us all the way, to Julianes Family, and to all my friends, thank you.
To my very supportive manager Ma’am Sujata, despite my shortcomings, you are still there and younever gave-up on me. Thanks for the support and advice. To Mr. Begad & Ms. Siham, thank you for always being a ray ray of positivity that I will fly soon and forever. To my sisters different a different mother and my colleagues that you for your positive thoughts everyday.
Above all, thank you God for leading me to where I am today!
Cheers to the new normal, cheers to aviation, and cheers to getting back to our wings once again!
Flying with you again!
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