I am Siantha Pillay from Durban, South Africa and I am an international flight attendant. In 2014, I had the privilege of attending the GFPA Foundation Aviation and Space Camp. One of the best adventures I have experienced by far in this journey of my life!
This program has had an incredibly positive impact on my love and determination to stay in the aviation industry. By seeing all the driven ladies in this male-dominated industry made me eager to pursue a career here. Refilwe and her team were role models to myself and the other beautiful girls that went on this journey with me. I could not be more thankful for the time they put into educating us on the different aspects of aviation and their continuous encouragement throughout. For me, Refilwe has always been an inspiration. Just listening to her stories and how she is where she is, has made me feel that I can do it too. It made me realize that I can follow my dreams with just a little more drive and perseverance.
Fast forward to 6 years later and today I am a Flight attendant for a leading airline in the Middle East. I get to travel the world while enjoying what I do. It is when you love what you do, that you do it to the best of your ability. I would never have thought even in my wildest dreams that I will be saying that I can eat breakfast in Bali to dinner in Singapore. Thus far I have visited almost 32 countries and 41 cities in this beautiful world we live in. My passion for this industry has never been stronger than it currently is. I cannot see myself in any other industry but the aviation one. Being a flight attendant has taught me many lessons which I will always be grateful for. I have come to see that the world is so much more than we know it to be.
It is not every day that you can say that your office is in the sky! So, if you cannot see yourself anywhere else, I am sure it is meant for you.
Just remember that things might always seem difficult. There is always going to be obstacles on your path to achieving your dreams, but you need to know that you are not put in a position that you cannot handle. Never give up on your dreams even if you need to take the longer route, then so be it. No matter how small the dream is, always be optimistic, always see yourself accomplishing it because if you do not then no one will!
And so, it is true… “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return”.
