Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanece Sepulveda
Hi LaNece, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, my name is LaNece Sepulveda. I am currently a flight attendant for SkyWest Airlines, going on 9 years. I reside in Chicago Illinois however I was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. I am constantly traveling so living out of a suitcase is normal for me. I’m at the airport almost everyday. People ask if I fly the same routes but every shift I work is never the same. Every time I “check in” (clock in) it’s a different crew, plane, place, time zone, and position. I love the fact that it’s not a consistent schedule, it keeps me on my toes. But to say it doesn’t get exhausting would be an understatement. I will work up to 5 flights a day. That’s more hours in the air than on the ground, serving hundreds of passengers, and being in more than 3 states. On my days off I want to hibernate and close myself off from society before I go out and do it again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a flight attendant was something I never imagined being and it certainly wasn’t a smooth road to get to where I am today. I’ve faced many challenges that I had to overcome and that i’m proud of for doing so. 13 years ago when I graduated high school I dreamed of becoming a big Hollywood actress. I was in all theatre plays and musicals throughout my high school years. After I graduated I attended the University of Utah and was accepted in the Actor Training Program (one of the best in the nation.) I wanted to switch from Theatre to film. So I dropped out of college, started doing short films on the side for New Ogden Cinema and any other
films I had the chance to work with. While doing so, I worked 3 jobs to save money to move to Los Angeles. I knew if I wanted to make it big, then it wasn’t about what I know but who I know. L.A. was the perfect place to find that connection. Coming to realize I couldn’t afford it at the time despite working one job after the other- I had to figure out an alternative way to be in L.A. as much as I could and for an affordable price. I thought “why not be a flight attendant?” I can fly there as often as I please and do gigs when the opportunity arises. After applying, I was hired and went through the long month of intense training to become a flight attendant. The day before graduation I got pulled to the side by one of the instructors and they released me from training because I had a tattoo that was visible behind my ear. I was devastated. I contemplated if this career was still for me. After weeks of being discouraged, I realized “of course I was meant to do this!” because along the way I had loved and enjoyed the process of learning about aviation. I decided that I wasn’t going to let this obstacle define who I was. And it didn’t prevent me from pursuing what I was excited for. I got the tattoo removed and went back to training a year later. I graduated the program, and moved to Chicago, Illinois, where I was based. At the time, traveling and seeing the world is what I was destined to do. Acting was a door that closed and I wanted to see what this new door would open. Funny how one dream can lead you to another and how time has changed. Almost a decade later and the same airline I work for, now allows visible tattoos.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Being a flight attendant has been one of the most rewarding careers i’ve embarked in. I’ve traveled to more than 14 countries and it has opened my eyes in ways I could ever imagine. I look forward to and get anxious to continue visiting new destinations in the near future. I don’t think people realize that they’re living in a tiny pinpoint of an entire world. There’s so much to see and do, it’s exhilarating. From the Philippines, Spain, Australia, and to Greece- I have come to love, respect, and admire every culture that I have got to experience. It makes me appreciate home even more from when i’ve visited 3rd world countries that struggle everyday to live. Visiting those places made me want to help those who are going through the same struggle back home in the states. My passion is to help others. Every year my mom and I would have a summer bbq for the less fortunate that was a major success. I’ve donated clothes and fed the homeless when I saw those who were/are in need. I would help a fellow friend pack lunches and deliver them every weekend. That’s what I live for and that’s what I’m most proud of. My joy comes from giving instead of receiving.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I’m still figuring out my journey and what I want to do with my life. Yes, i’m proud to be a flight attendant and I do think it’s a great career. However, I have ambitions to do more. I will eventually go part time with my career and then see where the wind blows me. I’m looking forward to that next chapter of my life. Where I come from most people my age seem to have their life all figured out- huge successes, families, and marriage. I want all of those things but I need to remind myself that life has no timeline. Every one’s journey is different and no path is the same. I’m a true believer that in good timing, there will come a point in my life that I will discover what I’m destined
for and say. “I did it”
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think patience would have to be my greatest quality when it comes to my success. Granted it’s still a working progress but it’s improving and that’s what makes me grow as an individual. It’s what I need being a flight attendant, and what I need discovering who I am and who I want to be. Until then I will enjoy the ride and keep traveling because it brings me peace. Excited to explore new places and adventures but I will say nothing beats coming home to the beautiful Utah mountains and being with my family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lanece_nickull00
- Facebook: LaNece Sepulveda
