OUR STUDENTS (A cosy chat with Grace Lim, an SIA flight stewardess)
What’s Grace like really?
I’m outgoing and very active. I like water sports and listening to music, though there’s no specific genre I listen to. It’s just on a like or don’t like basis.
What’s a typical day for you like?
My life really revolves around my flight schedule. When I’m not flying, I wake up really early, have breakfast, browse through the papers, do some
emailing and surfing. By the time afternoon arrives, I would be hitting the gym or going for my keyboard lessons. I usually meet up with friends for
dinner appointments. Before the day is over, I go for my evening runs.
I’m outgoing and very active. I like water sports and listening to music, though there’s no specific genre I listen to. It’s just on a like or don’t like basis.
What’s a typical day for you like?
My life really revolves around my flight schedule. When I’m not flying, I wake up really early, have breakfast, browse through the papers, do some
emailing and surfing. By the time afternoon arrives, I would be hitting the gym or going for my keyboard lessons. I usually meet up with friends for
dinner appointments. Before the day is over, I go for my evening runs.
What is your family life like?
I’m single, and live with my parents and my younger brother. My brother and I used to fight but no longer. We even go for evening runs together and
play music together. He’s been playing the guitar for years and keeps peeking over my shoulder when I’m practicing the keyboard and says stuff like
“That’s easy!” I think being able to play the keyboard is cool. Not only do I enjoy the music, it’s also another avenue to worship God. I used to dance in
church!
Here’s a typical Singaporean topic – Food. What does food mean to you?
Food? Lots! I love eating, and since I travel a lot, my holidays often revolve around food. My girlfriends and I usually plan a trip out in a city centered on
a certain meal or a particular restaurant. Including good haunts in the itinerary is a must. I don’t think simple food is bad food. Food that’s simple and rich
in taste is just great!
I’m single, and live with my parents and my younger brother. My brother and I used to fight but no longer. We even go for evening runs together and
play music together. He’s been playing the guitar for years and keeps peeking over my shoulder when I’m practicing the keyboard and says stuff like
“That’s easy!” I think being able to play the keyboard is cool. Not only do I enjoy the music, it’s also another avenue to worship God. I used to dance in
church!
Here’s a typical Singaporean topic – Food. What does food mean to you?
Food? Lots! I love eating, and since I travel a lot, my holidays often revolve around food. My girlfriends and I usually plan a trip out in a city centered on
a certain meal or a particular restaurant. Including good haunts in the itinerary is a must. I don’t think simple food is bad food. Food that’s simple and rich
in taste is just great!
Do you still get to do all of that when you need to fly?
Sure! It’s just that I have to go home early to prepare for the flight. When I’m on regional flights, the layover’s really short – only 24 hours. So you find yourself taking short naps and
spending the remaining time lunching and walking around. There’s hardly any time to do real sightseeing. Long haul flights offer much more time for exploration.
What are some of the more memorable destinations you’ve been to?
When I’m working, I like visiting cities like London & New York as they’re really accessible. I like to make it a point to do something I’ve never done before. Everything else is peripheral.
So you’ve pretty much been around the world then?
Yes, except for South America. SIA doesn’t fly South America, and I haven't had the opportunity to take a trip there. I really love traveling. When I was still studying, I used to save up
for holiday trips. Now that I’m in SIA, I make use of every freebie and concession available to me. I just went diving in the Maldives in May for about a week. In June, I was in Cape
Town for 8 days with my girlfriends. But I’m always exploring new places and re-visiting cities. Cities change so rapidly that there’s always something new to discover or do.
Sounds like bundles of fun! Do you have plans for the immediate future?
This may surprise you but I’m actually looking for a career switch. It’s been 5 years since I’ve become a flight stewardess and I guess I need a change of environment. I’m still
exploring my options but I’d definitely lean towards jobs that require meeting people.
Sure! It’s just that I have to go home early to prepare for the flight. When I’m on regional flights, the layover’s really short – only 24 hours. So you find yourself taking short naps and
spending the remaining time lunching and walking around. There’s hardly any time to do real sightseeing. Long haul flights offer much more time for exploration.
What are some of the more memorable destinations you’ve been to?
When I’m working, I like visiting cities like London & New York as they’re really accessible. I like to make it a point to do something I’ve never done before. Everything else is peripheral.
So you’ve pretty much been around the world then?
Yes, except for South America. SIA doesn’t fly South America, and I haven't had the opportunity to take a trip there. I really love traveling. When I was still studying, I used to save up
for holiday trips. Now that I’m in SIA, I make use of every freebie and concession available to me. I just went diving in the Maldives in May for about a week. In June, I was in Cape
Town for 8 days with my girlfriends. But I’m always exploring new places and re-visiting cities. Cities change so rapidly that there’s always something new to discover or do.
Sounds like bundles of fun! Do you have plans for the immediate future?
This may surprise you but I’m actually looking for a career switch. It’s been 5 years since I’ve become a flight stewardess and I guess I need a change of environment. I’m still
exploring my options but I’d definitely lean towards jobs that require meeting people.
You really lead quite a fulfilling life, don’t you? How about pets then?
(Laughs) I‘ve no time for pets. I can hardly manage my own life as it is. Besides, I’m quite averse to dogs and cats licking and scratching me. That’s why I’ll be in jeans when I’m at my
girlfriend’s – she’s got a Cocker Spaniel-like dog running around. But I guess I’ve progressed quite a bit from my childhood days when I had this phobia for animals. Now I manage to
be comfortable having the smallish Cocker Spaniel on my lap.
One final question. What’s your guiding principle in life?
I especially try to abide by this very meaningful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To laugh often and love much – to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived – this is
to have succeeded.” It’s great living life trying to make a difference in someone’s life, hopefully you won’t be affecting the other person for the worse!
(Laughs) I‘ve no time for pets. I can hardly manage my own life as it is. Besides, I’m quite averse to dogs and cats licking and scratching me. That’s why I’ll be in jeans when I’m at my
girlfriend’s – she’s got a Cocker Spaniel-like dog running around. But I guess I’ve progressed quite a bit from my childhood days when I had this phobia for animals. Now I manage to
be comfortable having the smallish Cocker Spaniel on my lap.
One final question. What’s your guiding principle in life?
I especially try to abide by this very meaningful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To laugh often and love much – to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived – this is
to have succeeded.” It’s great living life trying to make a difference in someone’s life, hopefully you won’t be affecting the other person for the worse!
PLAY BY EAR MUSIC SCHOOL (SINGAPORE) - SPECIALISING IN POP PIANO & JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION COURSES FOR ADULTS
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
