Day 6: Cindy M

01.06.14

I had just boarded my flight to Israel when I went to use the bathroom before take off. On my way back to my seat someone was blocking the aisle for a few minutes so I just hung out in the back and started talking to Cindy, a flight attendant on the plane. I didn't think she was going to be my "friend" at first, but after talking to her throughout the flight she became a friend and after telling her about this project she was honored to be a part of it. 

Cindy was living in Chicago (ANOTHER Chicagoan! Perhaps I'm just drawn to them?) and working as a runner for the bond market when she wanted a change. Cindy was in between jobs and the student thing when she and a good friend opened a restaurant in Chicago. Tragedy struck when her friend was diagnosed with AIDS, they closed the restaurant, and he died soon after. 

Her sister was working as a flight attendant at the time and after United posted a job listing, Cindy decided to apply. After spending 8 years stationed in Paris (her other sister was a professional opera singer there), and though she hated the job at first, Cindy has been working for United for 20 years and couldn't imagine doing anything else!

She doesn't usually work flights to Israel and was so surprised to find some of her dear friends on this trip with her! Cindy asked that they be in the photo with her, too (so here we have Cindy M closest to me, Allie, Cindy E, Todd, and Amii) It was so fascinating to hang out in the back with them and hear about all of their experiences. On my way out, Cindy giggled that she and Allie just took a pole dancing class for Allie's birthday! 

It was wonderful meeting you, Cindy! Safe travels back to the states!