A former teacher, who left the classroom to fulfil her ambition to work as Jet2.com cabin crew, has returned to her old school to inspire pupils to “follow their dreams”.
Liz Chapman, 45, from Sandbach, Cheshire, left her teaching job of 25 years and joined Jet2.com in January after aspiring to be cabin crew since childhood.
She returned to her former school, Buglawton Primary School, to deliver an assembly encouraging students to pursue their ambitions.
“As a child, I used to dress up and pretend to be cabin crew, and I have always wanted to work as cabin crew,” she said.
“However, I happened to fall into teaching. When I was a teacher, I always told pupils that they could achieve anything and to follow their dreams.
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“So, with my daughter now 11 years old, I thought it was about time that I practise what I preach and follow my dreams.
“I finished teaching last Christmas, started my cabin crew training with Jet2.com in January, and then got my wings in February.”
She is based at Manchester airport, flying with holidaymakers to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and across Europe.
“After two months of flying, I decided it was time to head back to my former school and deliver a school assembly on ambitions, the importance of school and the day in the life of a cabin crew member,” she added.
As well as inspiring pupils to follow their dreams, the children also received Jet2 stickers and discount vouchers for their families to put towards their next holiday.
“The decision to join Jet2.com is the best decision I have ever made,” she added.
“No day is ever the same when working as cabin crew and, as a people-person, I love making memories for customers and ensuring their holidays get off to the best start.
“Despite only working as cabin crew for a few months, I already feel like I have been with them for years, and I am looking forward to a successful and long career with Jet2.com.
“After seeing me follow my dreams, my daughter has expressed a wish to also join Jet2.com as cabin crew. I’m hoping that as well as inspiring my daughter, my talk at the school assembly has inspired pupils and proved that they can achieve anything.”
She added: “For anyone thinking about changing careers, I’d say just go for it. It’s never too late to switch careers and to follow your dreams.
“I’m proof that whatever your age, you can reach for the skies.”