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MAS graduates 1st batch of trainees
The 26 graduates of the Marianas Aviation Services scholarship training program were congratulated by instructor Rob Combs at their graduation ceremony on Monday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose hall, Susupe. (Kimberly A. Bautista)
The first batch of trainees under the scholarship collaboration between the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance program and Marianas Aviation Services received their certificates of completion Monday night at a graduation ceremony at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
A total of 26 students completed the course.
According to Marianas Aviation Services chief instructor Rob Combs, the crash course lasted only 44 hours or just 10 days, which means the students had to cram. He believes his students did just that. Comb said that in just 44 hours, his student were able to learn all the basic information in ticketing service and ground handling of an airline.
Combs was pleased that all 26 students who signed up were able to graduate.
Shane Alvarez, the class speaker of the first batch of graduates, said his two weeks with the course was unforgettable because of the connection he established with his fellow graduates.
“This was a very fun two weeks that we had with each other, together with Ms. Myla and Mr. Rob. In such a short amount of time, we turned this into a family,” he said.
Alvarez acknowledged that the course was frustrating and difficult, but they managed to complete it through the teaching style of their instructors.
“It wasn’t easy, we had to fly by a whole bunch of stuff and if you didn’t pay attention you would get a lost or forge. Thankfully, Mr. Rob and Myla knew how to make things fun and interesting to keep us entertained,” said Alvarez.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, who also shared a few words with the class, urged them to continue to pursue a career in the airline field.
According to Apatang, the skills the students acquired from the two-week course are stepping stones for them to continue to improve their lives.
Apatang wishes to continue the partnership that the Office of the Mayor of Saipan and SHEFA has built with Marianas Aviation Services.
“Si yuus maase for this success story and for offering the training,” said Apatang.
