I love airports. I love to travel. But it never occurred to me that a Flight Attendant (FA) position was in reach. I love the part in Love Actually that takes place at the airport: happy faces, smiling people, tears of joy, and individuals from all over the world. I even applied for a job at a jewelry store that was at the airport in high school, but then realized I had no transportation there and couldn't commit to the hours, so I didn't get it obviously. But I have always been intrigued by the airport. Before 9/11 when you could simply walk into the airport without needing a boarding pass and barely even go through security, my dad and I would watch the planes leave from the windows at the terminals. I always thought, how in the world do these huge creatures (yes, creatures) fly.
Well. Now I'm a FA. What in the world. I am still in shock. My mom showed me the ad in the Sunday paper on October 2nd; the ad was promoting Information Sessions for Mesaba Airlines that upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday. I don't think she realized that single advertisement would lead to an actual career, but my family shouldn't be surprised with my ever-changing life. That Wednesday I took the afternoon off from work and attended the session at the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. I thought this session would include steps to be able to apply, but to my surprise, it was a stepping stone to current open positions. I had filled out my application online the night before, brought my resume, wore my business casual best, and walked into the room not knowing what to expect.
Along with 22 others, I sat myself down and waited for information. A power point presentation lasted an hour and half full of flight attendant position details. Then, a written test, then an verbal test (yes I got to read a boarding announcement in front of everyone and share a customer service experience), and then the waiting game. The waiting game was in the hallway. Six individuals got called back in the room to be offered interviews. The list was put up on the door and then they shut the door. So this group of 22 individuals stormed to see if they made the cut (although we didn't know we were getting interviews, we were told Mesaba simply had questions to ask us) much like high schoolers seeing if they made varsity. I was on that list. A huge confidence boost went threw me, and as most applicants walked away, I stood tall in the hallway, waiting to be called in.
I was offered an interview the next day, which, I had to work, but I wasn't saying no to this opportunity. I took a sick day (because actually I was sick, and if they hired me with my nasal-y voice, apparently they must really want me) and went to the Eagan office. I got called on Friday but was working all day, and when I called back at 4:30 p.m that day, the office was already closed. So Monday, I got the phone call, offering me the position. And I accepted with a huge smile on my face.
I filled out paperwork on Tuesday morning with Mesaba, all while keeping it silent from the mall. I notified close friends to share my news. I was so shocked, so excited, yet nervous for the unknown. My last day at the mall was Saturday, October 22nd. I started classroom training on Monday, October 24th. And now, with only nine days left until I graduate with my wings, I can confidently say, I work for Mesaba Airlines as a Flight Attendant.
Classroom training has been intense. Exams just about every other day, equipment competency checks, a city codes quiz, and homework worksheets and readings each night. I know the insides and outsides of three different planes that Mesaba operates: the SFR340, CRJ200, and CRJ900. I am now CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, I have learned self-defense, security measures, customer service, safety, and much more to come in the next nine days. The feeling of being in the classroom setting is powerful. I am familiar with the classroom setting and very much enjoy it, however, having 52 other classmates gets on my nerves some days. Some of whom aren't very inclusive to each other, and to the diverse population that exists in the world. I have had to bite my tongue a time or two in conversations in class; my experiences gained throughout college has truly shaped who I am. Working as a RA and working with international students has opened my eyes to so much, and I only wish each and every person in the world could experience such a thing. I know this is a perfect fit job on paper, and the week of Thanksgiving, when I start flying, we will see if it's the perfect fit in action. Til then, it's early nights for me, studying flashcards and guides, and absorbing every word my instructors say.
Here's to being able to travel the world for my career, I can't wait to start. 01 02 03
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