Michael

Role

Inflight Instructor

Degree

Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies

Master of Business Administration

Graduated

2024 & 2025

Favorite class

Organizational Theory

Michael didn’t think college was for him. Turns out, it just hadn’t met him where he was, yet. 

 After hitting pause on traditional education, Michael leaned into learning on his own terms, in his own way. With encouragement from fellow crewmembers and support from the JetBlue Scholars program, he not only earned his undergraduate degree with JetBlue Scholars but also continued his education and earned a master’s degree, proving that growth doesn’t follow a single path. 

What motivated you to join the JetBlue Scholars program, and how has it impacted your career? For a long time, I didn’t think a college degree was attainable. After graduating from high school in 2005, I attended college for a semester, but I didn’t feel a connection to the learning structure. I have a learning disability, and it was difficult for me growing up. I decided to forgo college and get a job at a restaurant and start “adulting.” In 2008 when I joined JetBlue, I was able to get a lot of on-the-job experience with roles that I have had over the years.  Through the Scholars program, I excelled by taking online courses, which helped me retain the content compared to in-person learning. I was also successful with the support from my Scholars coach, whom I trusted to help me set an action plan to achieve my goals.  

I was able to take courses such as Organizational Theory, Organizational Communication, and Sociology of Work, which provided me with the tools to build a better understanding of supporting my fellow crewmembers.  

 Has completing your degree contributed to your personal development and confidence? Some people think completing your degree is just a check in the box on an application. I see it as personal growth, and it helped me build my confidence. I completed my Associate of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at Thomas Edison State University last year. I was thrilled, and now I have completed my MBA degree at Western Governors University.  

 I’m extremely grateful to JetBlue and the culture we have. I don’t think I would have been able to complete this on my own. Our Scholars program really supports our crewmembers growth personally and professionally.  

 For your master’s degree, how did the WGU mentor contribute to your success?  I had weekly calls with my mentor to help keep me accountable in completing my degree within a specific timeline. While I was balancing work and other obligations. She was able to give me tips and strategies to keep me on track, and whenever I encountered challenges in a course, she helped direct me to the right resources for support. 

How did the program structure at WGU contribute to your academic and professional growth? I really appreciated the program's structure and the flexibility it offered in completing the courses. In addition to using textbooks, I had the option to join live sessions or access previously recorded ones, which allowed me to learn at my own pace. I also had the opportunity for one-on-one time with instructors, which helped in diving deeper into subjects where I needed a clearer understanding. The program has helped develop my soft skills, particularly in critical thinking and adaptability.  

Has your participation in the master's program affected your job satisfaction? The MBA program allowed me to gain outside perspectives and learn about other industries. Having been in the same field for over 17 years, engaging in conversations with fellow students and instructors helped me understand how things operate in different sectors. This broader perspective has enabled me to reflect on my own work and discover new ways to connect it with what others are doing. It also helped me better support new crewmembers starting their careers by offering them a more well-rounded understanding of the industry.