02.17.2017
We had security training today. They cover that subject last, I think, because there is so much confidential information covered - they want to make sure the people who are exposed to it are the ones who will be graduating and earning their wings with the airline. Makes perfect sense.
That being said, I just want to share something, for any people who may have gone through an incident - or incidents - similar to mine.
The physical defense the instructors teach you is very “skimming the surface,” but very helpful and useful. I definitely found it empowering to know that we are never victims on that aircraft. Many of my fellow trainees felt the same.
This is hard for me to write, but it must be noted here, or my blog is incomplete and not entirely honest: those of you who were abused as children, domestically abused by a partner, assaulted with or without a weapon, or especially raped, will find this intense. It’s intense anyway, no matter who you are or what your background, but as you’re learning these strikes, and elbows, and knees, and other simple, forceful maneuvers that you can use in a confined space, you will start to shake. When they instruct you to fight back against a “Combat Dummy” as though you have just been assaulted, you will attack and probably see the face of the person who once hurt you so terribly. Don’t be afraid of that. And don’t be afraid to cry afterward. I did. More than once.
No one deserves to be forever stuck with the thought “I should have…”. Use this as your opportunity to get your power and control back. You may have been a victim once. Next time, up in the air where it matters most, you will be a hero. And most importantly, you’ll never have to think about what you should have done again - because you’ll know you did everything in your power to help.
Don't let your past keep you from the future you deserve.
See you in the friendly skies.
