I married my campus lover: Flight attendant's sky-high success story

I married my campus lover: Flight attendant’s sky-high success story 

From campus modelling to cabin crew success, Wendy Mwatha built a global career while staying grounded in values, family and personal growth.

Who is Wendy? Give us a glimpse of who you are.

I am a flight attendant by profession, a mother, a content creator, and a gym and fitness enthusiast. On days when I am not doing all that, I am simply a lover of life, love and happiness.

Tell us about your job.

I became a flight attendant just before COVID-19, and it is a job like no other. From breathtaking views in the sky to working with different people every day, experiencing new cultures and climates, and staying in five-star hotels where your name appears on a welcome screen like royalty, every day feels like a dream I never want to wake up from.

Where and what did you study at university or college?

I studied Peace and Conflict Resolution at African Nazarene University. So if you ever see me in the streets breaking up a fight, just know I am on an internship (laughs).

Which was your favourite or worst unit on campus?

I love a good challenge, so each unit brought out a different version of me — one eager to understand context and still excel academically.

Best or worst lecturer?

The beauty of evening classes was that I studied alongside an older group, so most of the lecturers, if not all, were relaxed and straightforward.

Are you currently doing what you studied?

In some ways, yes. In my line of work, I deal with different personalities daily. It’s important to ensure passengers feel comfortable and safe while travelling, and that can only happen in a peaceful environment.

How was campus life generally?

Honestly, I sometimes wish I had attended the main campus so I could have joined basketball, which I played in high school. My days were less busy because I left for class around 4 pm for a 5.30 pm lecture. It always felt like I was moving against the tide; everyone else was heading home while I was just starting my day.

How did you make money while on campus?

I modelled — from billboards to in-store displays. I also featured in a few music videos and competed in the Miss Kenya International pageant in 2015, where I was first runner-up. I had also modelled in high school, so earning from it beyond the school setting felt like destiny.

How was your dating life on campus?

My first love and first boyfriend on campus is now my husband, how about that? (Laughs).

What do you think of campus relationships?

Campus is a great place to meet a partner and lifelong friends. My father always says it is where you build relationships that last. However, it is important to date responsibly. Everything can feel rushed, yet it is actually the best time to build your circle and community.

Where did you hang out on weekends?

My friends and I loved food — we still do. We often tried different food outlets. I remember once we went to a fish and chips spot in town and drank five bottles of soda each just to avoid going home early.

What did you do in your free time?

Mostly modelling. I’ve been chasing the bag for quite a while.

Classmates you’ll never forget?

Rachel, Mary and Munyiri. We were doing the same course, and they were the best vibes, which made the classes worthwhile.

How did you join the cabin crew, and what led to that?

I wanted to join the cabin crew straight after high school, but I did not meet the age requirement. After university, I enrolled for training, and the rest is history.

What challenges have you encountered in your line of duty?

Work-life balance has been my biggest challenge. As a parent and a flight attendant, I have learnt to be intentional with my time, rest properly, and prioritise what truly matters. I’ve learnt to be okay with skipping some friend meet-ups. I’ve also learnt to rest, not constantly fill my schedule, and let my body recover from long flights and time-zone changes.

You are very big on social media, creating content on your day-to-day shifts. How did that come about?

“Very big” sounds so serious… (laughs). Honestly, it was completely random. One day I thought, let me just vlog my day, and people loved it. With every bit of feedback, I created more and more, and the next thing I knew, I had a ‘wassup, wassup, wassup’ community. Find me at @wendymwatha on social media to catch the vibe. My aim is to show not only the beauty of flying but also how it shapes your life.

What are some mistakes aspiring cabin crew make?

Focus on presentation and professionalism. First impressions matter, look the part and believe you deserve the role.

What lessons have you learnt, travelling the world?

Kindness. Everyone flying has a story, relocation, deportation, first-time travel, or grief. You never know what someone is going through.

What advice would you give those aspiring to join cabin crew?

Start. Fill out applications and stay updated with current news so you know when airlines are hiring. Take time to understand the role. Yes, cabin crew members look attractive, but what does the job actually entail? Know yourself, have strong morals and values, and stand by them. If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything.

One last thing you’d tell your campus self?

You felt the pressure and turned it into diamonds.

What’s next for Wendy?

I’m more of a “show it rather than say it” kind of person. Best believe I’ll be sharing a lot in the coming months and years, in the best way possible.