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.
