The Redemptive Life: New Seasons, New Life

Today I have been sorting through my past few months. I have wanted to blog for sometime but I also wanted to get through Flight Attendant Training before I really went into detail of my life. I kept my close friends and family in the loop of my new life. So today others can fully hear what the past few months have been like.

I'm going to share a little back story first:
A friend of mines mom contacted me about applying for American Airlines because her youngest daughter loved it. I began to pursue it. I became very discouraged this past winter because I had not heard a thing from them. My mom told me to continue pursuing other airlines. But I was set on American or I wasn't going to do it. Me stubborn? NEVER ;). In April American called me to see if I was still interested. Of Course! I told the recruiter. I was beside myself. I didn't tell anyone about it until I knew something. They called for an interview in June. Then my life changed dramatically on June 24, 2014.

This was the day we were hired!!

On September 20, 2015 my journey to Dallas, Texas began. I was excited, anxious, nervous, happy, but still had a little fear that I wouldn't make it through the training. Its definitely not an easy training. As I explained to my mom, its harder than getting my college degree. We took 16 tests and really unsure about how many drill proficiencies we had. Long days, late nights in class or studying, and early mornings. On the first day of class they said "WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN FAMILY." I didn't know what to really think of this statement until I realized we are REALLY family. Your classmates become family and best friends. Your instructors become family, your biggest cheerleaders, and encourager's on the line. They are like having another mom or dad to look up too. American Airlines is a big family. We go through hell together during training, but its worth every bit of it. And if you've been through American Airlines FA training you get me!

During training I met two girls who would later become my best friends. They are the ones who got me through training with the encouragement, class notes, long walks, exploring Dallas, and just being there on the hard days. I prayed that I would make one good friend during my time. Well it was doubled into two amazing women. We come from different walks of life but that's what makes it work. I am thankful for their friendship. And it worked out that we are all three in Miami also. Thank you for helping me through training and learning things on the line now.

Always a good time.

You know that sometimes you can have a really bad roommate situation? My roommate ended up being a christian, and a wonderful woman. She was starting her second career. Learning from her wisdom and life experiences was great for me to see. I'm always eager to hear life stories, hear wisdom in how I can become a better person. Stacey was a great example of this. She put up with living me in a small hotel room for a whole 6.5 weeks. She was a saint. Thankful for a God fearing woman who loved me right where I was. She always made sure I was okay.

Where are your glasses Stacey???

I had incredible instructors. Each of the instructors played a special role in my life. They truly choose the best of the best to teach the new Flight Attendants coming through. Instructors are responsible for "MAKING US GREAT". They put in more hours than we do in many ways. They teach us the skills to go out on the line and be great. I am grateful for each of them. Randy was our lead instructor. He was a hoot. He made me like Halloween for the first time in 29 years. He decorated the room and had an awesome rat as our class mascot. His nick name became Crusty Rusty. Goodness he kept the class together. He was incredible. My sweet, sweet Denise was like a momma to me. She held me as I cried, listened to my frustrations, laughed when I would walk up because of my randomness, always giving a willing hug, there for advice. She was the momma of the class. I want to be like her when I grow up! Rachel became a big sister to me. I knew by the first week that she was the real deal. I first saw a bracelet she wore everyday with the writing "My God is Big Enough." I had actually prayed for a Christian person in the class. And quickly it became evident that my instructor was. She listened to my struggles. She gave hugs when I was a mess and didn't know if I could make it another step. She loved to RUN! This was another instant connection. I was thankful to have Rachel's constant support even after training. Tyra, Oh Trya! Through her example she brought my standard from just average to excellent. Everything she did was "perfect", maybe not perfect but done with excellence. She kept the class together with keeping the standard high. Tyra is a consistent person in her job. She taught us to tie our scarfs, do our hair, reminded us to wear our lips. That was one thing I love about the job. I love my pink and red lips! She always gave a willing hug, especially after a test. She knew that test was a struggle for me. I knew she would be proud when I would score my tests.

Thank you for making us GREAT! I am so thankful for this opportunity and the people who made it possible to be where I am today. God was walking me through each day and each moment. He gave me the strength to overcome and do my best. I am so thankful.