JESSICA Young Trailblazer 2023 Awardee: Christina Ho

Before us sits Christina Ho, petite and soft-spoken yet confidently piloting a Boeing 777 aircraft. Her career has followed a winding path - fashion design to flight attendant. But during a flight as a passenger, an unexpected encounter with the crew sparked an impulsive thought: "I want to be a pilot." Christina was captivated by the 270-degree views and complex instrument panel, drawn to that challenging role. Over time, she steadily progressed toward her dream, step by step. Now, five years into her aviation career, Christina uses her experience of pursuing her dreams to encourage others to take that first brave step. As someone who acted on impulse and achieved her goal, she urges people to find the courage to begin. Christina says an initial leap of faith sets you on an incredible path, rewarding and fulfilling the process.

Taking Flight

When Christina first declared her intention to become a pilot, she was met with skepticism and discouragement. As a complete novice who understood little about the field, she received comments like, "You don't even know basic terms - how will you ever pass the exams?" Christina's response: "You're right, I don't know yet - but after you teach me today, I'll learn step-by-step." She felt her start was slow, but she knew progress each day would let her realize her dream.

Strangely, though Christina hadn't planned that far ahead, she knew she'd become a pilot. As she explains, "It's not like no one's ever done this before - there are many successful examples. I believe I can do it too. You must first believe in yourself. Of course, you'll hear how difficult it is, but if so many others achieved their dreams despite obstacles, why not you?" Though initially discouraged, Christina focused on daily progress to accomplish her goal.

Becoming a pilot is a formidable journey. Getting through the interview alone takes six months and five grueling stages. Christina shares, "After finishing the first round, I'd focus on the next without overthinking it." The training itself demanded mastery of 17 intensive subjects, requiring immense effort. Those with engineering backgrounds may have found it slightly easier, but Christina had to work harder. She initially struggled, especially with the flight topics - having never played video games, driven a car, or participated in team sports.

But Christina understood feeling discouraged wouldn't help. Instead, she leveraged her strengths: "I studied art, so I have a good visual sense of shapes and images. This helps me judge the runway when landing." Christina navigated the challenges of her training by focusing on progressing at her own pace and emphasizing her talents. She didn't let the difficulty dissuade her from pursuing her dream career as a pilot.

Standing Tall

During training, Christina's class of 13 included just two women. She shares, "Some had flown for 10 years already and were captains, while others were only 19 and not yet done with college. Many envy the 19-year-old starting so young - in a decade, he'll be a young captain." For Christina, the journey was never a wrong turn. Past work always provides knowledge to bring into a new piloting role. "Communication skills are essential in commercial aviation," she says. "Even if you haven't found your dream job yet, excel at your current role - those abilities will carry over."

Christina admits learning new things can be frustrating at first. "My advice is not to compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to a classmate who's flown for 10 years will only add pain." She emphasizes that pursuing dreams isn't about beating others - it's about continuous improvement and overcoming challenges steadily. Focus on your own progress rather than envying others farther along the path. With persistence through challenges, you'll get there too.

Spreading Her Wings on Social Media

After major media outlets spotlighted Christina's courageous journey through her drawings and writings, she inspired many to take their first step. Though, as she humorously admits, she hadn't initially realized the power of her own story: "Most Asian parents don't hype up their kids, so children from traditional families need encouragement."

Starting in 2021, in addition to more speaking engagements, Christina focused on uplifting messages through "Lessons from the Sky." She shared the joys and challenges of chasing dreams using spiritual themes. She explains, "I didn't have much social media experience, but I taught myself for them - reaching the younger generation where they communicate." She added cute illustrations, creating Pilot Cat Christina Meow and other characters to provide aviation knowledge and inspiring experiences.

She points out - this process is like taking life in small pieces. In interviews, Christina wears dresses she designed years ago, surprising people. The dress she had on was designed and sewn by her own hands.

Though her dream of being a pilot has come true, Christina aspires to help others achieve theirs. As she shares, "Your response can greatly empower others. I hope to contribute more positive energy - I don't want to stop anyone's dreams. Having been through those difficulties, I understand the support needed in that moment."

Occasionally Christina receives social media messages saying her words have inspired dream-chasing, which she finds encouraging. "Many young people just need to be heard and understood." Though now successful, Christina aims to uplift others progressively by pursuing their aspirations.

Supporting Others' Dreams

At a sharing session, Christina met a petite girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot. The girl asked if her height would be an obstacle. Christina stood beside her, compared their heights, and said, "I'm the same height as you, so, of course, you can do it too." She explains, "The girl likely knew the answer but wanted to hear affirmation - an 'I support you.'"

Text: Chinese by Meilian Lee; Translated and Edited by Jeremy Chapnick

Photos: Raymond Chan

JESSICA Magazine 2023