On the 1st of June, some of the GP members went to Nagoya University of Foreign Studies to meet with Professor Kanazawa, who will be giving a lecture at Nanzan on the 22nd of June. While we were there, we observed a lecture about the airline industry. The speaker was an active flight attendant at Japan Airlines. She was wearing her uniform and taught us about the emergency procedures on flights. Ms. kanazawa was also there to help in the lecture. When we think about the jobs of a flight attendant, we most likely come up with the word "hospitality". Serving meals, offering blankets, providing comfort... But the speaker told us that flight attendants actually have another crucially important job, which is protecting the passengers' safety. We saw a video about the new employees' on-the-job training. They must pass all the emergency demonstration tests to get permission to board real aircrafts. A few chosen students from the audience tried on the life vest. Despite the careful instructions given by the speaker, the students could not put it on smoothly. In an emergency, the passengers will all be in a panic and to calm them down and gain their full attention, flight attendants must speak very loudly and clearly with dynamic gestures. At the end of the lecture, we were able to try the emergency provisions, which were small pieces of cookies and square-shaped jelly. From this lecture, I learned that flight attendants do not look stunning only because of their perfect smiles. Their strength and commitment to protect everyone aboard are what make them appear so special and attractive.

by Rina M