PERSEVERE UNTIL SUCCESS HAPPENS – P.U.S.H. (as defined by Dr. Cindy Trimm)

Receiving my Ab-initio Certificate as Cabin Crew

On Sunday, 29^th January this year as I sat and listened to Rev. Delali Bodza preaching at church, I knew I still had to persevere if I wanted to realize more of my dreams. Because whatever good thing we desire for ourselves, would surely be challenged. But we must persevere in prayer, in doing what is required of us, to position ourselves for the good we want to achieve. Whenever I think about my journey into the Airline Industry, I can only say, if not for God! Indeed as a young girl growing up, I was always elated when I saw one of my paternal Aunties, visit us at home clad in her fine office apparel. Her fragrance would last for hours long after she’s departed our home, and my siblings and I would dash quickly to daddy’s side for some of the goodies she left behind. She exuded so much confidence, grace and sheer presence. I asked my dad what she does and he said, “your Aunty is an Airhostess”. He was so proud of his sister, we actually had a photo of her framed on our living room wall. It sounded like a big deal to me, as little as I was at the time. Of course many questions followed afterwards - day in and day out, I entertained the idea of becoming like her. 

As I grew up into a teenager, the passion grew even more. At school, my father encouraged us all to take the French subject seriously. He simply couldn't fathom why French had not been incorporated into our educational syllabus soon after Independence. Knowing my desire to be an Airhostess, he said it would be a plus in making it to Ghana Airways, if I could speak French. So I took much delight in the language and would pay attention whenever Mr. Degle was in class. “Degle-man” as we affectionately referred to him, was the French teacher at my Primary school and was passionate about getting us to understand this language too.

Back home, Dad would have the French teacher living in the boy’s quarters, take us through extra French lessons after school hours. I loved this language and failed to understand why so many of my friends didn’t enjoy the subject. By sheer grace, I had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland with Angela Karikari-Mensah, as participants in the Coalition of the Children of the Earth Summit. I witnessed first-hand what an Airhostess does. At thirteen years by then, and being my first time travelling abroad, I was quite scared. But the Airhostess made us feel at ease with her smiles. She brought us a cool bag for kids, because we travelled as UMs, or minors on that flight. She brought us food and drinks, milk, etc. oh it was exciting. Well we did not have quite the same experience on the return flight though. Because we met another Airhostess who was not too enthused about our requests for almost everything onboard. And I guess that’s why she gave us no warning at all when we asked for this bright coloured pinkish drink which tasted so bitter and awful. It simply means people can be different in their approaches to work. The great ones leave good memories, and the not so great, teach us some lessons for the future. Anyway, it was several years later, that I discovered the name of the 'bitter' drink - it was grapefruit juice Hahaha. Oh boy, only God knows how long it took to finish the first big gulp we both had in our mouths – of course the rest of the drink stayed in the cup until it was time to clear the cabin, as we hit a terribly turbulence. Before touching down, these attendants would walk briskly through the cabin, even when the aircraft seemed to be in steep slopes - they kept walking through the cabin to check on seatbelts, etc. I knew at that moment that I would do all it takes to join this profession. I will share more about Switzerland’s experience some other day. But the flights to and fro, reinforced my passion and desire to explore other countries and reignited my desire to become an Airhostess.

After one of our long-haul flights 

After Basic School, I decided to pursue a General Arts programme that would afford me the opportunity to Study Geography – to learn about different places, and French to gain an added advantage, etc. However, luck was not on my side because Accra Girls’ Secondary (now Senior High) School did not offer a combination that would allow me study Geography and French at the same time; as my elective programme. 

French was combined with History and CRM or some other course. But I didn’t relent; I persevered in the option I was given which was Geography, Economics and Elective Mathematics. Tough combination for one who wasn’t a Maths fun. But our Elective Maths teacher was patron of the School’s computer club which encouraged me to join the club and learn more about computers. So it wasn’t all doom and gloom (this actually came in very handy, because while some friends were attending computer classes after secondary school, I was studying French) – The computer club meetings and excursions broadened my knowledge and soft skills in computers and gave me the launchpad I needed to be computer literate. After Secondary School, there was a one year break before University, as I noted earlier. My parents enrolled me at the Alliance Française d’Accra where I continued studying French from level 100 until level 500. This spanned one full year and half where I got to meet my dear Melissa Obro Mitcham, Vivian Badoo, Mrs. Erica Wilson, Nene Akwetey, Stephen Kemetse and many more.  I successfully passed my CEFP 2 (Practical French) and Diplome de langue Française by the grace of God. I recall the long walks each day from the 37 trotro station, to Alliance Française. Tuition was expensive then and probably still is. It challenged me further to make every cedi count. I continued to the Ghana Airways Training Centre to pursue their Airline Passenger Handling, Sales and Reservations Course. Certainly, this journey didn’t come without drama - as I was almost turned away for joining the class late. But I knew deep down that it was all by God’s grace. I met great people along the way, who inspired and challenged me not to give up on my dreams. We all need people that would motivate us to do more.

                       Adwoa Mpare (peach arrow) & myself (purple arrow) in the final graduation picture - Millennium Crew

Luckily for me, my mum’s close friend also had a daughter that was a Flight Attendant at Ghana Airways. She was informed of my desire to join the crew and kept us abreast with information regarding the new recruitment. One faithful day, my parents informed me that it was time to put in an application to join the National Airline as a Flight Attendant. I prayed to be successful, because I had basically been waiting for this opportunity all my life; grooming myself to take my place as cabin crew. I know, this profession has had several name changes. From the days of Airhostess – to Flight Attendant – to Cabin Crew, just as there is the Cockpit Crew. I'm guessing the name changes was in a bid to gain some further recognition and due respect for the job of many facets yet carved in a simplistic term as if insignificant. Well, upon hearing that good news, the application was submitted and it seemed like decades had passed, before we heard anything from the company. One faithful day, I got another good news. My mum’s friend had heard of the announcement on radio, that a screening exercise was underway for the next batch of Flight Attendants. My dad quickly asked me to pack up my certificates while he prepared to drop me off. I hurriedly did as he asked and off we went to “White Avenue”– for that was the name of the Ghana Airways head office at the Airport residential area. Upon reaching the place we were told that all surnames beginning from “M” were to wait upstairs for their chance to be screened. My dad said, well Akos you would stay until someone sees you. Mind you, my maiden name begun with an “A” (Adjei). So almost tearfully, I begged the lady, calling out the names (one madame Shirley I believe), to allow me stay for the process anyway. I told her I would surely leave the premises if and only if she informed the panel of my presence and they still didn’t wish to screen me. By this time, I had met a few other people who had missed their initial opportunity too. I noticed one familiar face and started chit-chatting. It was my colleague from Accra Girls, Elizabeth Asafo-Agyei. We were determined to wait it out and have our moment with the panel. Did I tell you that my dad dropped me off at “White Avenue” in the morning around 9am? Well now you know. After waiting for so long, a few people gave up and left the premises. Somewhere around their late afternoon break, one of the panelists came out and said, all those holding the “Ghana Airways” Training school certificates, should not think that it was going to gurantee them a spot. And that they what the panelists were looking out for, was educational certificates among other things that would help them take a decision. Hmmm I must admit, at that point, my heart skipped a beat; my bravado mood was slowly being dampened and I was almost teary after seeing batches and batches of people walking back through the corridor in a sorry state; obviously being told they don’t qualify. But I was determined not to leave. I made a few more friends, and I recall Adwoa Mpare (pictured above); who also agreed with my conviction to stay on since it won’t hurt just to let them know I came over soon as we heard. We exchanged home fixed line numbers when it was her turn to leave. Well lo and behold, the crowded room which made it impossible to turnaround had now reduced to a few people. Madame Shirley, who was calling out the names suddenly shouted, “Hey are you still here”? I turned to look behind but realize she was actually referring to me. I then approached her and pleaded with her to inform the panelist that had a valid reason for missing my turn. She said, "but that is part of the elimination process, don’t you understand"? I said well, but I still wish to explain myself to them. 

Madame Shirley hesitated a bit but left the sofa where a few others in my situation had been perching. She finally returned to our corner later to inform us that they panel have agreed to give us a second chance; but only after seeing everyone else. We quickly cheered up and prepared for the task at hand - to justify our inclusion. Well a quick scan around the room had barely 15 or so more people to take their turn. So patiently, we waited. I remember as if it was yesterday. The moment finally came and I was escorted into the room. There were so many people seated behind this long desk, I thought. They questioned why I didn’t want to go to the University with such good results but wanted to come and “serve tea and coffee” – to put it in their words. I gave a response, that I can’t recall clearly but I knew it made a few of them laugh. Then someone questioned whether I felt I had to follow my Aunty's path; and on and on it went. I remember there was a stick or some line up on a wall somewhere and I was asked to stand by it. I guess to take note of my height. They told me to await further information from them. I believe I got home after 7pm that evening. It seemed like a never-ending day to me; I was tired, worn out,  been without food the whole day and just on the verge of tears. 

At the Graduation Ceremony for Ghana Airways Millennium Cabin Crew

But I in the end, it was all worth it. And I thank God that I didn’t give up. It was an arduous journey but a fulfilling one. All I would encourage you to do, to pray about your desires, focus on how to achieve your goals, build friendships everywhere you find yourself, at least acquaint yourself with just one person who can help you to reach your set goal, again I say stay focused! Be determined to give it your all and persevere until success happens. If Baba Zachariah is reading this, he must be laughing out loud, because the next piece would tell you how he attempted to scare me away from our final interview session. At least he realized too soon, there's no stopping this girl!

Subscribe to my blog to catch the rest of this story. 

PATRICIA DZIFA MENSAH-LARKAI, ACG, ALB

FOUNDER, LEAD CONSULTANT - PERISSOS HORIZON

Perissos Horizon Facebook Page

Instagram: @Perissos.Horizon 

Twitter Handles:

 @PerissosHorizon 

 @TheAkosuaDzifa 

My blog - TheAkosuaDzifa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ patriciamensahlarkai/