Erin

ROLE

Inflight Instructor

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Graduated

2023

Favorite Class

World Religions & Geology

In World Religions, the sociological aspect of the course (my associate is in sociology) appealed to me. Geology was a course I had failed years ago, and I was thrilled to prove to myself that I could succeed in it.

Erin bet on herself and won big! 
During the pandemic, when the world hit pause, Erin hit “apply.” Despite the risks, something in her gut told her it was time to finish what she started years ago: her bachelor’s degree. Spoiler alert: her gut was right. With the self-paced flexibility of JetBlue Scholars and a coach who’d walked the walk, Erin thrived in a learning environment built for real life. She shattered the old belief that higher ed wasn’t “for her,” found a new confidence, and proved to herself she could take on anything, degree included. And bonus: her journey inspired others on her team to take off with Scholars, too. 

 What motivated you to join the JetBlue Scholars program, and how has it impacted your career? I joined the JetBlue Scholars program during the pandemic. Taking the leave package that offered time off and JetBlue Scholars wasn’t necessarily something that made financial and logistical sense for me, but I had a feeling deep in my gut  it was what I needed to do. Everything fell into place. I was away from JetBlue for only three months before I needed to come back. By then, I was well on my way with the program to earn my degree.  

 I had already completed my associates degree in 2014. When I stopped schooling at that point, I felt proud of the milestone I had hit with my AA, but deep inside I was disappointed to not complete my BA as I had always planned. I wasn’t ready or mature enough at that point to buckle down to be successful, and I knew it. My father always told me it’s never too late to go back. It turns out he was right. 

How did the program structure and support contribute to your academic and professional growth? The traditional college experience was not something I could get my head around and was the reason I wasn’t successful the first time around. The flexibility and the ability to take things at my own pace, which the Scholars program provides showed me there is more than one way to do things. I spent so many years thinking that I lacked intelligence, and that maybe higher education just wasn’t for me. JetBlue Scholars allowed me to break down those walls and learn the way I needed to - In the right environment to really thrive!  

How did the JetBlue Scholars coach contribute to your success? My coach was fantastic! She was always there to guide and support me while also allowing me to be in the driver seat of my own experience. It was amazing to have a coach that had been through the program herself.  

In what ways has completing your degree contributed to your personal development and confidence? Completing my degree is something I always hoped I would do but I didn’t think I could. Actually, completing this huge milestone brought me  confidence  I never thought I would have - I proved to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.  

 How has the JetBlue Scholars program aligned with your long-term career aspirations? I am still in the same role, and I am not sure what the future holds for me. I do know that if something comes along, a lack of a degree won’t hold me back from my dreams. It’s encouraging knowing I received my degree, and it’s in my back pocket should I ever need it. 

In what ways has the program fostered a culture of continuous improvement and learning in your team or department? The love for the JetBlue Scholars program has spread within the Inflight department over the last few years, and we have naturally supported each other and been able to share advice and our experiences. It was so lovely to have the support of my fellow crewmembers while I was going through the program, and equally rewarding to help them through their education journey after I finished mine.