By: Nurul Alia Al-Hassan Binti Awad Abbas (Infight Services – CCLOPS – Graduated Cabin Crew)
As the morning air filled my lungs, I found myself stalling at the main entry gates. My heart was racing, my head was spinning. I was worried, anxious, terrified and did not know what to expect. As soon as I was able to abrade all my negative thoughts and emotions, I urged my feet into a forward motion, towards the entry path. I survived the first task thanks to courage. As I entered I was addressed cheerfully by the “merry” security guards .Instantaneously I felt welcomed. I greeted the gentleman appropriately, flashing my infamous ear to ear smile hoping it would make their day.
Staring at the “daily events” screen at the entrance, I waited quietly for the 04/08 INDUCTION to appear. As I waited I was starting to doubt my self. “Did I get the dates right?” I said to myself in my mind. When it finally appeared on the screen my heart jumped for joy! I told myself that I should have more faith in whimsical little me. I sighed with relief and started to proceed to the designated room-132. When I was at the very door, again I took deep breaths, hoping it would help with seeking approval from my “soon to be” colleagues. As I entered, everyone was abruptly silent. Thoughts of turning my back and running like there’s no tomorrow did cross my mind but instead I walked in with a smile and sat at the next vacant seat. I survived the second stage thanks to confidence. Mild conversation helped to ease the nerves, jokes were shared, and at some point laughter and positive energy filled the room, that’s when I realized that I was going to get along just fine with this “witty” bunch! I befriended all of them easily, as they were very much like me-sociable.
The little but indisputable lady briefed us on the 65 days of cabin crew initial training. She was clear, conscience, and firm, yet I see warmth and care In her eyes. She was basically our mother for the next 65 days. Pn.Rozita was her name, assisted by Pn.Farrah, together they managed and supervised us. Even though she was firm with all of us, I understood what she was trying to put out, as at times we tend to forget that we are here to be professionals at what we do. At this point in time I took respect to a whole new level.
The manuals were handed over to us the next couple of days, and lectures were on full force. It was difficult to digest everything as I have been away from the study routine almost 4 years. Thankfully, the instructors in Malaysia Airlines Academy (MAA) were always there to guide me, thus allowing me to keep up with the work load. Exams come and go, we were tasted on various level based on our understanding. Many of times we found ourselves shaken up with the word “exam” but we managed to pull through together. The answer is- group study. We benefit from each other’s strengths, and we move forward together as a team. There are times that some of us didn’t make it through, but so many of us are ready to spend 1-2 hours a day tutoring our mates. We share a common goal, to graduate together.
There were many sweet renowned experiences during the initial training, but there are a few that I distinctively remember as it touched and changed me in so many ways. Mr.Basir walked in room 132 to assist us on the Rules and Regulations. In my mind I thought some ex-army personnel would drill us on this subject instead it was this soft spoken, polite, and charming gentleman. Mr.Basir would be in my “who I want to be in the future” list, as he has and infectious smile and poise. He thought us that being nice was the only strongest ammunition any one can have to win the battle. “Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want them to do to you” was his famous line, and I shall never forget him, as I’ve embrace politeness and most of all- patience.
Another unforgettable subject was communication skills with Mr.Abdullah Fauzy. The intensive 5 days with him thought us that there was a giant within all of us. He opened up our many unknown capabilities, and thought us how to put in good use of these special qualities. Personally, I love the English language as I’m an avid reader and writer, but to have the entire batch 04/08 enthusiastic about his classes just shows what a committed and established educator Mr.Fauzy is. We were also thought how to make not just good, but great announcements. Mr.Fauzy was a perfectionist when it came to pronunciation, tone of voice, and pitch during our voice enrichment classes. The last day with Mr.Fauzy was a very emotional one where we were given a task to put up a short play with the exception that the story must finish with a sad ending. Each and every one of us did such a great job; we were suddenly very much in character, all the stories revolved around family, love and life. We laughed and we cried, most of all we formed a special bond, and we learned to accept each other despite our differences. We were very much like a family on that day onwards, we were able to confide in each other, we were able to give a helping hand when one is in need, most of all we were able to give each other strength when all seems to falter.
Safety and Emergency Procedures with Madam Mei was also one of the most memorable chapters in our training course. She was the “no nonsense” kind of lady, strict and ready to tell you off if you came to class unprepared. She was rigorous, hard and rigid on us simply because she wants us to be well informed and ready for any emergency situation. She was a very detailed person, we were not spared if we left one fact out during our equipment assessment. Madam Mei wasn’t all about hard work and studies, she was so much fun during the last days of SEP class. We did the emergency evacuation which involves the jump slides, and the ditching procedures which involved swimming. It was a breath of fresh air as we’ve been pretty much stressing over exams, and air craft specs. I remember Madam Mei being extra hard on the ladies during practical session, I knew for a fact that she didn’t want us to come off as weak, soft or even worse a damsel in distress. She always reminded us, that we are responsible for the safety of those under our care and it’s important to be absolutely sure and clear of our roles as a cabin crew when a safety issue arises. On a personal level, Madam Mei thought me that a woman can do anything and everything provided she had the knowledge.
At this point in time, my colleagues and I are currently undergoing service procedures with Pn.Salmah. It hasn’t been easy to reach this stage. I’m thankful that I have been given the support from my family and friends, and I won’t live this moment in vain. I will do my very best to make my family, and instructors and not to forget my country proud of me. At the end of the day, it’s my country that I’m representing and I’m sure that I will be equipped with:
Nurul Alia Al-Hassan Binti Awad Abbas
04/08
|