From Dreams of Flight to Reality: Deserie Balajadia’s Inspiring Journey
When Deserie Balajadia glanced at her phone and spotted a missed call from an unknown number starting with +971, a rush of emotions flooded her. Cleaning their living room in Angeles City, Pampanga, her heart raced. “I was so scared and excited at the same time,” the 25-year-old told GMA News Online. She had an inkling about who the caller was and feared they might not reach out again. But then another wave of hope washed over her; the country code belonged to the United Arab Emirates, home of the prestigious Emirates airline.
Just minutes later, an email landed in her inbox, asking for the best time to call her back. And when that call finally came, the words she had longed to hear echoed through the receiver: *They offered her the job.*
Yet, in that moment of joy, Deserie hesitated. “Can I have more time to prepare?” she asked, feeling the weight of this unexpected opportunity. Everything felt so sudden, so unplanned.
A Dream Almost Forgotten
Deserie’s journey had been fraught with struggle. She recounted, “Because of all the hardships I experienced, I felt like I already failed… I had nearly given up on my dream.” Before applying to Emirates as a cabin crew member, she had even entered local pageants, each step a testament to her determination.
Life wasn’t easy. Back then, she juggled a job as an online casino dealer while completing on-the-job training at Omni Aviation in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. With finances tight, she had to put her studies on hold, sacrificing her education to support her family. “I was not able to graduate on time due to some financial matters. I needed to stop temporarily.” Balajadia became the breadwinner, putting her family’s needs above her own dreams.
Only after saving enough money to settle her tuition could she return to school and finally earn her Bachelor of Science in Tourism. Somewhere along the way, her dream of becoming a flight attendant dimmed.
The Path to Preparation
With determination renewed, Deserie set her sights on Emirates. She knew the competition would be fierce, the path long. Each time she traveled at least six hours to the interview, she understood the stakes were high.
“I prepared not just my answers but how I carried myself,” she explained. “I practiced how to smile, behave, and answer questions with confidence, but without arrogance.” She realized recruiters were looking for more than just rehearsed responses; they wanted authenticity and a keen understanding of the company and its values.
Behind the Glitz
When Deserie finally donned her Emirates uniform, she was ecstatic. But being part of one of the world’s largest airlines wasn’t just about the glamour or travel perks. “You will work nonstop inside the aircraft,” she shared candidly. Full flights could mean little time for breaks—let alone meals. “You encounter all kinds of passengers while trying to provide service on time,” she added.
Deserie chuckled as she acknowledged the disparity between reality and perception. “People only see the perks. They don’t see the work behind it.”
Embracing Independence
One of the biggest adjustments for Deserie came after her shifts. Growing up in a close-knit family, she was used to having support around her for school competitions, pageants, and life’s milestones. Moving to Dubai meant she had to learn to navigate life alone.
Initially, “Everything seemed perfect,” she recalled. Living alone came with independence, but soon homesickness set in. “I miss my family. I miss my life in the Philippines.”
Though there were days when she felt overwhelmed and longed for home, Deserie stood her ground. “I cannot afford to go back just because I feel lonely.” Instead, she made it a point to stay connected, calling her family even during meals to keep that bond alive.
A New Perspective on Success
Working alongside experienced cabin crew members opened Deserie’s eyes to different aspects of success. Many of her colleagues had been with the airline for over ten years, making difficult choices about careers and family. “The life I dreamed of was having a family,” she reflected. Yet she understood that a career in aviation often demanded sacrifices.
Words of Wisdom
For young Filipinos dreaming of donning the Emirates uniform, Deserie has one piece of crucial advice: “Know why you’re applying.” It’s not merely about travel; it’s about a commitment to serving others.
“Many people are drawn to the job because of what they see online—the destinations, the glamour,” she warned. “But the life you see on social media is entirely different when you’re immersed in the work.”
Ultimately, for Deserie, becoming a cabin crew member wasn’t just about flying to far-off places. It was a story of resilience, of sticking to one’s dreams, supporting family, and learning that sometimes, the most significant changes happen after you embrace the challenges of your desires.
Deserie Balajadia’s journey reminds us all that dreams may become memories, but with perseverance, they can soar once more.
