Ezequiel Mercado

My Name is Ezequiel and well I grew up in this world missing my left forearm. Something called Congenital Amputation. Which is birth without a limb or limbs, or without a part of a limb or limbs. In my case I was born missing my left forearm. Growing up with one arm was not always easy; it was challenging. I was bullied throughout my childhood for simply being different. I would use prosthetic arms growing up to hide from the world the one thing that made me unique. Until one day I got rid of the prosthetic and began living life.

I began working in the hotel industry for about nine years right out of high school. Those nine years were amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I began to travel thanks to the hotel perks and was able to see the world with my own eyes. Despite loving the hotel industry and the friendships I made, I still had this strong urge for more in my heart. I've always had a passion for aviation and travel. I wanted to fly and I wanted to have a job in the aviation industry.

So after nine years of hotel work I applied for my first airline job. A very long and competitive process but I was offered a job within my first year of applying. I began working as an Airport Operations Crewmember and did it for three years and I enjoyed it very much. I took my first trip to South America! Had the chance to visit Ecuador, Colombia and Peru! Also have explored so many beautiful cities in the states. I even flew to the other side of the world to Thailand! My dream of traveling had finally become a reality. But, me being the inquisitive person I am, wanted more. I wanted to reach for the sky (no pun intended); I decided to take my adventures to a whole new level. I wanted to fly!

I began seeking interest in being a flight attendant. This is where my life took a huge turn. I was not sure if I could even be a flight attendant because of my condition. I was afraid to do research and get some sort of rejection before I even applied. After countless google searches I did not find anything. So I went for it, I applied to become a flight attendant. I again embarked in another extremely competitive journey.

Once the application was in came then came the first few steps of the interview process. After succeeding in the first two rounds I was invited to a face to face in San Juan, PR. I was really surprised at the interview because no one asked me about my arm. They didn’t make me feel any different, I felt like everyone else. I honestly wasn’t even sure if they were taking me serious or not. Then two weeks later I got an email saying I’ve been picked for training! I remember I was on my way to six flags when I received this email. One of the best days of my life! I was so nervous during training. It was a long four weeks in Orlando, Florida. I was constantly afraid that they would find something and tell me that I couldn’t graduate. I still gave it my all. I overcame the biggest obstacle in my life. Then came the day of graduation, which of course was extremely emotional. I can’t even put it into words. I couldn’t believe I did it. I proved to everyone, especially myself, that its possible. I’m a flight attendant and yes I have one arm. The happiest moment of my life!

Now for everyone reading this. I hope I'm a prime example of not letting anything stop you from chasing your dream. Do not let society define you. You can do anything you put your mind to. Do not let your "disability" stop you from doing what you love. I have not once let my arm get in the way of my story. Look at me now! I'm a Flight Attendant. I'll continue to inspire people everywhere I go! I am finally living my dream! I have truly broken down barriers and opened new opportunities. The skies will be bluer now that I have my wings!! I hope my accomplishment inspires you to seek your story.

Sincerely,

Ezequiel M. (Halfclap)