Debra Ng
Horoscope: Leo
Age: 21
School/faculty: Uni SIM/ Arts and Social Science
Status: Attached
Favourite airline: SQ

At the tender age of 18, most of us would be contented lounging in our academic safety nets. Not for Uni SIM's Debra Ng. With an insatiable appetite to explore the oddities of the world out there, she made the alternative choice to globe-trot around the world while her mates were anxiously trying to keep up with the rest of the rat pack and get their degrees in the shortest time possible. Intrigued by the former stewardess, we sit down with Debra Ng for tete-a-tete.

Why did you choose to work as an air stewardess at a tender age of 18?

It was an impromptu decision. After my A-levels examinations, my friend and I decided to go for the interview just for the fun of it. Well, I got through the 1st interview and I didn't plan to go for the 2nd. My mom dragged me out of bed for my 2nd interview. My parents thought the exposure would do me good and the break from studies was a chance to think about what I really want to do in life. My parents were probably right.

What was the best part about the job?

You get paid to travel!

What was the worst?

You have to be away from your loved ones and the working hours disrupt your regular sleeping pattern.

Was the training tough?

Not at all. It was a great learning experience and very enjoyable!

Met any celebrities on the job?

I once had ex-Newcastle player Les Ferdinand on board. The crew I was working with kept bugging me to ask Ferdinand to take a photo with us. So while I was attending to him, I sheepishly blurted," Ooh, when you have the time, can we take a picture with you?" He was really sweet, he remembered and just before the end of the flight, he came to take a picture with us.

Is it true that most stewardesses are airheads?

No! Nowadays, most stewardesses are degree holders. I'm sure there are airheads in every industry! It's not a situation peculiar to airlines.

They say stewardesses fight to serve first class so that they can meet and marry rich men. Is the myth true?

I can't speak for everyone, but for me, it's probably not true. In any case, only the leading crew serve in first class. To serve in first class would mean you're of a higher rank and draw a higher salary. It'll be a bonus if you meet a handsome rich man who sweeps you off your feet!

Did you get to eat the same stuff as the passengers and sip champagne from the first class cabin?

Oh yes I had all the good food! But we are not allowed to drink on the job. I think it would be really unprofessional and dangerous to have tipsy crew on board.

Did people stereotype you as a bimbo because of your job?

That happens all the time. But really, it's just a lingering label given by some old fogies. While some of us might not excel in school, we are extremely streetwise and have good PR skills.

Some people also asked if we are all mean and bitchy. It's just another myth. Most cabin crew are really nice.

Which was your favourite stop over/country?

Maldives! When I was there, I felt like I was on an actual holiday! I was snorkelling, tanning, night-fishing, sunset sailing. That's life!

We heard that you had to strip down to your bikini in the interview for the job?

You have to be in your swimsuit for the swimming pool interview. It's not a body check; it's to verify that you can swim. I didn't think it was derogatory; the interviewer was a lady and it was an all-girls' affair.

Now that you're back in school, has it been difficult adjusting back to student life?

It hasn't been all that difficult. Life's more settled and routine now. Every now and then, I get restless and I wish I am still flying. I miss the travelling.

Why study literature at SIM?

Well, to me, a degree is just a stepping stone, a backup plan. So since I'm all for that piece of paper, I thought I should study something out of interest! No plans for the future yet, just taking my time to realise what I want to do in life. I'm young, returning as cabin crew is still an option.

If your plane crashes, and you wake up to find yourself on the shore of an island, who would you want to find equally half-unconscious next to you?

Johnny Depp! If no one saves us, we can live happily after together!