Erin

ROLE

Inflight Instructor

Degree

Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies

Graduated

2023

Favorite Class

Business Ethics 

Erin bet on herself during the pandemic and won big.
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 kind of confidence, and proved to herself that 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 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 that it was what I needed to do. Everything fell into place. I was away from JetBlue for only three months before I was needed back. By then, I was well on my way with the program on track 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 reached with my Associates, but deep inside, I felt disappointed that I had not completed my Bachelor’s as I had always planned. I wasn’t ready or mature enough at that point to buckle down and 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 grasp, and that is why I was not successful the first time around. The flexibility and the ability to take things at my own pace and go one step at a time that the Scholars program provides showed me that there is more than one way to do things. There is more than one way to learn and be successful. 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 all those walls and learn the way I needed to. In the right environment, I thrived!

 How did the JetBlue Scholars coach contribute to your success? Kathleen was fantastic! She was always there to guide and support me, but she allowed me to drive my own experience. It was amazing to have a coach that have been through it 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 didn’t think I could. Actually completing this huge milestone brought me confidence that 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 will hold for me. I do know that if something comes along, a lack of degree won’t hold me back from my dreams. I feel so free knowing I have that achievement in my back pocket if I ever need it.

 Has the program fostered a culture of continuous improvement and learning in your team? The love for the JetBlue Scholars program has spread amongst the college of inflight team over the last few years, and we have naturally supported each other and been able to share advice and experiences with each other. It was lovely to have the support while I was going through it, but it was equally rewarding to help my friends and coworkers after I was finished.