No dream too high for aspiring pilot
“So many times my applications were rejected and I was told to ‘lose more weight’ and that I’m not young enough.”
An aspiring pilot from the north of Pretoria said no dream was beyond her reach and she would rise above and beyond the world’s expectations.
Charmaine Smit (31) was taking on a “predominantly male” industry with hopes of obtaining her pilot’s licence and finally reaching her dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
“It started with a qualification as a cabin crew member and progressed into the desire of one day operating on the biggest fleet that any airline has to offer,” said Smit.
She completed her cabin crew qualification in 2012.
“I did not have the funds to get my pilot’s licence, but I had a foot in the door,” said Smit.
“The plan was to work through the flight industry and training in the Middle East to finally reach my goal.
“I’ve received a lot of critique from people saying if I haven’t reached my goal in nine years, then I will never make it.”
Smit said many obstacles had barred her way on the road to her dream and biggest passion.
“So many times my applications were rejected and I was told to ‘lose more weight’ and that I’m not young enough,” she said.
“Although there was no official age limit, it seemed younger applicants in their early 20s were preferred.”
Smit said no amount of critique could dissuade her from her dream.
“They say every great dream begins with a dreamer, yet it is the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires and without hesitation go for what they so passionately believe in. I strongly believe in this and will ultimately reach success.”
Smit said she had turned her financial “worries” into a “plan”.
“Three weeks ago I started a small business venture with my mum.”
Smit and her mother Rosta Serat Mohammad started making and selling food as “The Travelling Chefs”.
“My mum is a master chef – the main ‘brain’ behind this venture, and I help with the deliveries,” said Smit.
“The idea was to help my mum, as she doesn’t have a job. By working hard, we hope to make enough profit for her and to put some of it towards the funds for my pilot’s licence.”
Smit had also started a BackaBuddy fundraiser to help reach her goal.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/charmaine-smit
Smit said the funds will go towards her flight school.
“I know there are people out there with empathy for a random girl, trying to make a difference in a world that has not been too kind to her, but still believes in her dreams and the good that she sees in others.”
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