AMERICANWAY

IN THEIR OWN WORDS A A .COM/FINAL APPROACH In Their Own Words I AM RELATIVELY NEW to the American Airlines fam- ily, but I think that makes my story unique. I actually completed my fl ight-attendant training on July 3, 2013 — just one day shy of my birthday. I previously worked in the hospitality, fi nancial and education industries for 20 years before completing my master's degree in criminal justice. Shortly after complet- ing my M.S. in December 2009, I opened a small clothing boutique for men in Antigua, West Indies. After a year and a half of being in business, I received an offer for the purchase of my business and decided to sell and return to the U.S., unsure of what I really wanted to do. My original plan was to attend law school, but I wanted to experience New Beginnings Colin Salmon's career change took his life in a whole new direction. Do you have a story to tell our passengers? Email us at ourcompany@aa.com the world while making a difference in some way. I then came across an article that mentioned that American was accepting applications for fl ight attendants. I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for a different experi- ence where I could do exactly what I'd envisioned: Travel the world and make a difference, especially with a world- renowned airline. I submitted my application and was contacted a month later; then, the four-month hiring process began. I was eventually hired and, on May 6, 2013, I began an eight- and-a-half-week training program. My respect for fl ight attendants increased as I became aware of the breadth of knowledge required for this position. I emerged from this training feeling as though I'd achieved a second graduate degree. I felt proud and ac- complished. I felt emboldened to make an impact, and I felt privileged to wear the American Airlines wings and badge. It was a surreal moment when my wings were pinned on my jacket, because I couldn't help but refl ect on a childhood memory: When the news media announced the inaugural American Airlines fl ight to Antigua, my fa- ther drove us to the airport fence, where crowds of people gathered to see the Boeing 727 aircraft touch down at what was then called Coolidge International Airport. Now, here I was many years later, in the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, making history as a member of the fi rst class to ever graduate in the museum. It was a full-circle moment for me, especially when I was chosen to speak at the graduation ceremony. Though my career as a fl ight attendant is one I began later in life, I feel a sense of satisfaction as I represent a true legacy airline with a sincere quest to make a differ- ence. I see each passenger as a patron of the airline and someone I can positively impact. I see them as extended family, each having stories, experiences and loved ones. I show them the utmost respect, even in challenging situations, because I believe that when you treat others with dignity, you can connect in miraculous ways. I've been exposed to so many different cultures, and I feel like I am living a whole new life, one now fi lled with new relationships, new countries and a world full of diverse experiences waiting to be embraced. At times, I feel as though I might awaken one day and be told it was all a dream. I am now beginning to accept what I call my "new fortune" as an American Airlines Flight Attendant, and I am here to stay and soar. N A M E : C o l i n S a l m o n C I T Y : M i a m i J O B : F l i g h t A t t e n d a n t Y E A R S W I T H A M E R I C A N : 1 1 2 6 D EC E M B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY

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