Life as a one arm flight attendant

It's no surprise to many people that I only have one arm. You can begin to imagine what is to live in a world where different is not OK.

When I was young I grew up wanting to be a pilot. I dreamed of that moment for as long as I can remember. I had all the Microsoft Flight Simulator games. Had the coolest airplane toys. At that age there was nothing that could ruin this dream I had envisioned for myself.

Flight School Searching

But then I grew older. I started realizing I was different. I would always ask my mom, "How come I have one arm? Why are the kids at school picking on me?". I never understood why. I was crushed. This is when my dream of becoming a pilot started to fade. I was bullied into thinking I didn't fit in this world. I was told I would NEVER become a pilot with one arm, let alone get in the aviation industry. Kids are brutal sometimes and the bullying didn't stop. I'm 29 years old and till this day I still receive some form of bullying.

Finishing high school was hard. I graduated but it wasn't an easy journey. I had given up on myself. I simply thought everyone was right, "There's no way anyone will take me serious", I remember wanting to drop out of school. My mom was my biggest supporter. She was always there for me throughout my bullying. She reminded me each day that I was destined to do great things. At my age I didn't really understand what she meant.

I joined the Air Force Junior ROTC program in high school. I did it for three years. It was the only time in high school where I felt like I could actually do something with aviation. I joined the drill team and started competing statewide. I loved every minute of it. I began gaining an interest in the air force. Sadly, my dreams of flying were once crushed when I learned that even the military wouldn't take me with my condition.

Air Force Junior ROTC 2004-07

Fast forward to now and guess what mom you were right. If you're reading this you are probably going to say, "I know mijo I'm always right". I may not be the pilot I have always wanted to be but hey it's a step in the right direction. I get to fly on planes and honestly that's all I ever wanted.

Being a one arm flight attendant isn't easy. I still get nervous every time I meet my crew. I still get nervous when customers board. What would they think right? I notice the stares and I can see their heads spinning with questions or even concerns. I remember in training I was stressing out when we were learning the safety demo. Everyone would tell me "Why are you stressing no one pays attention?" Well they were wrong try standing in front of 200 customers with one arm and demonstrate the safety demo. Oh everyone is looking trust me. My heart beats so fast my hand gets all sweaty. Why? Nerves I guess. I mean I kill it every time haha but its still nerve wracking.

When I'm flying I feel as if I'm performing at a play. There's always someone watching. I haven't received anything negative yet from customers. I was told in training to expect some type of negativity when it comes to the public. That not everyone will understand or simply agree with me being a flight attendant. That comment always stood by me. I'm always thinking when it does happen, how will I react? How will others react? I hope I don't get to experience it. You would be surprised to know though, that I've actually received the negativity from my own coworkers. I understand why they would question it. A lot of them live in this old school mindset. They don't see the change happening around them.

Long Beach California (LGB)

Service is my favorite part when it comes to flying. My flight attendant friends reading right now will probably disagree. It's my favorite because this is the time customers will tell me how honored they are to be on my flight. They start praising me for how I manage. Now you see why it's my favorite? It reminds me of why I do this job. Not only because it's my passion but because I start realizing that I'm living the life my mom told me I was destined to live. I'm inspiring people of all walks of life by simply doing what I love.

I have never had a problem with people asking questions. I know there's a lot to be asked. So if you ever have a question about how I manage. I'm very open when it comes to discussing what I have to overcome.

I enjoy what I do and can't wait to see where this journey takes me.