From STI to the Skies: STI Students Now Soaring High

By: Miguel La Torre , June 27, 2024

Through the years, STI College has been an avenue for young learners to fulfill their dreams. As one of the Top 10 schools most preferred by employers, it has transformed oblivious freshmen, wary of what may come to them, into professionals equipped with the proper knowledge to conquer the world.  

Much can be said about the institution’s Tourism Management graduates. Molded by a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, they are not only well-versed in tourism and hospitality but are also trained in effective communication, problem-solving, and customer service. 

They are testaments to the institution’s commitment to providing the best education and producing only top-notch individuals in their chosen fields of endeavors. 

Get to know some graduates who have successfully earned their wings and become full-fledged cabin crew members for their respective airlines. 

Mary Clare Inonog
Cabin Crew | Qatar Airways
STI College Taft (now STI College Pasay-EDSA) | 2-yr. Hospitality and Restaurant Services Batch 2010

When climbing mountains, it’s normal to slip and stumble. But it must never be a hindrance for you to reach the summit. Take it from Mary Clare Inonog, a 2-year Hotel and Restaurant Services alumna of STI College Taft, who is now a cabin crew for Qatar Airways.

Her journey to becoming an international flight attendant, after all, took 6 years, 24 attempts, and 22 rejections. "They didn’t even give me a chance to express myself," she recounted.

However, she soon realized that every rejection comes with an opportunity to improve. Inonog worked her way up various service-oriented positions as a Call Center Agent and a Career Adviser in her alma mater, STI College Taft, developing her communication and presentation skills.

Now, she is in her eighth year as a cabin crew for one of the most renowned airlines in the world. Her reflections from rejections were all instrumental to her growth. “Rejections and failures are part of the process of achieving your success,” she said.

Jessica Grace Parks
Cabin Crew | SkyWest Airlines
STI College Taft (now STI College Pasay-EDSA) | BS Tourism Management Batch 2018

Like Inonog, Jessica Grace Parks wasn’t also spared from the harsh winds of rejection. But she always made sure to keep her eyes on the ultimate prize.

Equipped with the valuable knowledge she learned from the institution as a Tourism Management graduate, she worked for several local travel services companies before betting on herself and moving to the United States of America.

There, she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a flight attendant for SkyWest Airlines in San Francisco, California.

“STI helped me build my confidence in myself and that is where I acquired all the learnings and skills that I have right now that helped me become successful throughout my aviation career,” she said.

Lok Shi Lee
Cabin Crew | Philippine Airlines
STI College Fairview | BS Tourism Management Batch 2018

STI College Fairview alumna Lok Shi Lee is a testament that dreams should be pursued with patience and a steady approach.

Prior to earning her wings as a cabin crew member of Philippine Airlines, Lee made sure to muster the necessary communication and people skills a flight attendant must have. As a student, she was part of the lineup of student assistants on her campus on top of balancing her duty as a Tourism Management student.

Upon entering the workforce, Lee didn’t veer away from serving her alma mater as a Career Adviser. When the time was right, she successfully earned her wings for the country’s flag carrier, where she has traveled to numerous countries now in the service of the Filipino.

“STI has helped me conquer my fears, pursue my career, and embrace new opportunities; proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she said.

Hannielyn Angulo
Cabin Crew | Cebu Pacific Airlines
STI College Malolos | BS Tourism Management Batch 2022

When STI College Malolos alumna Hannielyn Angulo first walked inside the blue and yellow walls of the school six years ago, she did not expect that she would be given the runway to spread her wings and fly anytime soon.

In September 2022, the Tourism Management (BSTM) graduate was able to brave through the herculean cabin crew training program of Cebu Pacific to become a cabin crew for one of the country’s leading low-cost airlines.

“It’s a dream come true,” Angulo said in a phone interview. “All the tears and hard work have paid off; I’m finally living my dream.”

After finally reaching her dream, Angulo credits the success she has gathered now to the nurturing care she has received from the institution that first handed her a big break.

“STI really played a massive part in why I am here today,” said Angulo who graduated as a cum laude of her batch. “The school taught me so much from persevering to disciplining myself, and to staying hungry and determined for success.”

Jullce Bueno
Cabin Crew | Philippine Airlines
STI College Malolos | BS Tourism Management Batch 2023

You may have seen his face on every STI marketing material from billboards to social media. In fact, Jullce Bueno boasts a handful of achievements as a Tourism Management graduate from STI College Malolos.

Ever the confident student, Bueno has topped various local pageants, like the Mr. Bulacan Association of Technological Schools, Mr. Fiesta Republika – Idolo ng Kampus 2017, Mr. STI 2017 National Finals 1st Runner-up, and Mr. Eco Fashionista 2019.

But on top of the sashes and crown, Bueno has also excelled academically. He was recognized as one of the Magna Cum Laudes of his batch when he graduated in 2023.

Now, he is proudly wearing navy, red, and gold as a cabin crew of the Philippine Airlines.

 

The success stories of these alumni are just a few of the many testaments to the institution's commitment to excellence. Their achievements highlight the significance of the institution's educational approach and its years of dedication to producing future-ready individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of making significant contributions to their chosen fields.