September 2009

An AAP Crew Interview with "Adopted" Pilot Robert Corbin

Adopt-A-Pilot Registration is open now through Oct. 31. The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew has interviewed a few Pilots for their insight on why you just can't pass up this opportunity to make a difference. Here's what Pilot Robert Corbin had to say...

Q:    What are the Top Three Reasons Southwest Pilots would want to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot?

A:    1) You get to make an impact in the community where you live.

        2) You get to represent Southwest Airlines for who we are and who we strive to be.

        3) I am just one person, but in four years of volunteering with Adopt-A-Pilot, I have mentored 610 students. Don't expect someone else to make an impact while you wait on the sidlines. Join the game. Get involved. It can start with you.

Q:    How did you decide to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot in the first place, and what keeps you keep coming back?

A:    Anytime a parent, adult, or friend can get involved with local schools, the impact may not be immediately seen, but it will be recognized years later. Southwest Adopt-A-Pilot is a valuable tool in reaching students - I simply cannot leave any class out. That's why two years ago I had my largest school group ever - 250 students. Every teacher didn't want to be left out, and I didn't want them to miss the valuable lessons.  Our children are too important, and they must know they can make an impact in whatever career field they choose. Also, they must know the older generation has a vested interest in them, and that we want to fill them with confidence in leading our great country.

Q:    What's one of your favorite Adopt-A-Pilot memories so far?

A:    I give them a quiz every time I start class. I have them recite four factors I believe are important and that also follow the SWA AAP guidelines: stay in school; listen to parents/teachers/guardians; don't do drugs; and have FUN! If they get it right (it's an open discussion quiz), they get chewing gum (sugar-free of course). My first year volunteering with AAP was for my son. It's now five years later, and his friends don't remember all of my impressive presentations, but they remember the gum! At least SOMETHING stuck in their memory.

An AAP Crew Interview with "Adopted" Pilot Wendy Mora

Adopt-A-Pilot Registration is open now through Oct. 31. The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew has interviewed a few Pilots for their insight on why you just can't pass up this opportunity to make a difference. Here's what Pilot Wendy Mora had to say...

Q:    What are the Top Three Reasons Southwest Pilots would want to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot?

A:    Fulfilling. Rewarding. Inspiring. If you can touch just one kid's life, it makes the time you have invested worthwhile.

Q:    How did you decide to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot in the first place, and what keeps you keep coming back?

A:    I've known about the Adopt-A-Pilot program for many years, and as a matter of fact, this program was one of the many reasons I always wanted to work for Southwest Airlines. When I was in elementary school, I remember my teachers encouraging me to set goals and teaching me how to reach them. Although I had wanted to be a pilot since I was a little girl, it was because of those teachers I believed I could one day reach those dreams.

Since getting my Private Pilot Certificate, I have always wanted to find a way to encourage kids (the way my teachers did) that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I think the Adopt-A-Pilot program is a great way to become involved in a very hands-on fashion with kids at an age when they are eager to learn.

I would say this program has been one of the most rewarding programs I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. It's great to watch kids learn and grow as the program progresses. Their excitement and enthusiasm is what makes me keep coming back.

Q:    What's one of your favorite Adopt-A-Pilot memories so far?

A:    One of my favorite memories occured while I was teaching the F.L.I.G.H.T. Values the program encourages. I asked the kids to tell me one person they thought exhibited a F.L.I.G.H.T. Value. A rather outspoken child in the class answered that the socially challenged child in the class exhibited Tenacity because he always tried. What amazing insight for a 10 year-old.