{ PREMIER ISSUE 2018 } KHARISMA MAGAZINE
111
and cursing and everything , that ’ s stuff that we hadn ’ t been accustomed to .
My first night , they came back for me and I was in tears . I said , “ Don ’ t bring me back here . Don ’ t bring me back here , I don ’ t want to come .” They took me home . They said , “ Look , calm down . Just give it another try , and if you don ’ t like it , you ’ ll never have to go back .” I went back the next week , and I never looked back . It was the best six years of my life , and I learned so much from it , and came out of my shell because of it . Nobody believes me , but I ’ m very introverted . That was another thing , but when the flying thing came up , they were like , “ Yeah , go ahead . Whatever it ’ s going to take . Whatever you want to do , we ’ re going to support you .” They pushed me for sure .
Kharisma : What would you say to parents ?
Shana : I would say 100 % go for it . I think a lot of people are afraid of what they don ’ t know about . Obviously , as a parent , you ’ re coming from another generation , where you may not have seen or had an appreciation for what this generation has . The first thing is research it . Research what your child is interested in . Then it makes it easier for you to support and be a part of it . I think support definitely , but research it .
Kharisma : Awesome , awesome . That ’ s some good advice , parents out there . Always encourage , research as well , and don ’ t discourage them . I believe in purpose . I believe that we all have a sole purpose ; we have a life purpose , and that shows up in different ways . Do you believe that you becoming a pilot was part of your purpose-driven plan ?
Shana : I think not initially , but I think that it has kind of woven its way and brought me on different paths to different learning experiences and life experiences , that are necessary to get me to my purpose . I think it ’ s definitely integral in taking on that .
Kharisma : Always be purpose-driven and be in alignment to purpose . What has been the reaction to you being a female pilot ? First , within your organization , the airline that you fly is what organization ?
Shana : The name of the company I fly for is SVG Air , part of an Air Alliance . Generally speaking , it ’ s been good . I came in a little naïve at the very beginning , bright-eyed and bushy tailed . As the years have gone on , I ’ ve noticed that certain things have come up that probably had to do with my gender , but I have to say , by and large , especially from the training aspect , I haven ’ t had any issues . It ’ s more , I think the public , that ’ s really shocked , especially the West Indian public is really shocked . My gender is not something that they see , and neither is my stature . A lot of people don ’ t even think I look old enough to be doing this . I think a lot of them it ’ s , most people are really proud and really like , “ Oh my goodness . You go , Girl . It ’ s so good .” A lot of people , there ’ s a few people that say , “ If I saw somebody your size on a plane , I wouldn ’ t get on the plane .” To be honest , my attitude is , “ Well , just come off , because the plane will still leave you . It ’ ll still go without you , so you have a choice .”
Kharisma : And she ’ s spunky too , ladies and gentlemen .
Shana : I think people don ’ t mean by it , but sometimes there ’ s some comments that just don ’ t sit well with me .
Kharisma : Right , gets under the skin . Shana : Yes .
Kharisma : Right , I can understand . It ’ s one thing to see a female pilot , but another thing to see a black , female pilot . Let ’ s call it as it is . Let ’ s address the elephant in the room , okay folks ? That ’ s what we ’ re going to do right now .
Shana : Actually , because of where I work , that ’ s not such an issue . My company is based in St . Vincent , but I live in Barbados . You ’ re still around a majority black population , so that ’ s not something I really have to worry about . The main issue is the gender and my size , because I don ’ t look anything close to my age , which apparently is an issue . The colour issue is not something I really have to deal with .
Kharisma : Okay . You ’ re the only female pilot within your organization .
Shana : The only one .
Kharisma : The only one , ladies and gentlemen . The only female pilot in her organization .
Shana : Yes .
Kharisma : I believe I ’ m a pioneer . I ’ m a trailblazer . We go ahead and we create paths and make waves for others to follow . Do you believe that you are a trailblazer ?
Shana : I think I am , just because I ’ ve heard that so many times in my life . It makes sense to me , but I never thought of myself