My Iberia Job Was a Second Chance

Iberia works with Fundación Integra to support women who are victims of gender violence, and to promote the employment of this group.

 

"My past is one of violence. I left behind a life of physical battering and psychological abuse that destroyed me as a person, that made me think I was worthless, and even that I had no rights over my own children.

I remember when I decided to run away, leaving everything behind; and get a new start. It was a hard struggle to recover my self-esteem, but I received a lot of help from social services and the Integra Foundation. It was at the foundation’s training school that I began to believe that I might be good for something, to be of some use, and they taught me about the world of employment. My children needed me, and I needed to offer them a dignified life with me. One day the Integra Foundation told me there was a job at Iberia that I might be able to do.

My job at Iberia gave my life back to me.

I could never have imagined that a job could make me feel so happy.

I still remember the first few months, when I wore my Iberia employee badge everywhere I went. How it made me feel! How proud I was to show it!

What I like most about Iberia is the good atmosphere, the family feeling. We all know each other and we help each other. Even at the most stressful moments, there is time for a comment or a joke.  Nobody knows about my past –here I am just another person. I have never used my situation as an excuse.

I can close my eyes and hear the words of my supervisor when I was just starting, and because of my insecurity, I made mistakes. “Hey, don’t worry. You have just learned something. That won’t happen again!” With those words, my confidence slowly began to grow. This was amazing, since in my past life nobody had ever had any confidence in me.

At first, when I was given responsibilities, I felt very nervous. Now I feel capable. One of the duties I most enjoy at Iberia is to be at the boarding gates. I like the feeling I get when all the passengers have boarded the plane and are off to their destinations.

I have been working at Iberia for a year, and thanks to my job I not only feel supported, but I believe in my possibilities, in myself, plus I have the economic independence that allows me to give my children what they need. I am in charge of my own life.

This job made me everything I am today, a person full of enthusiasm, and trying to do things as well as I possibly can. I am very proud to belong to this great family --to be working at Iberia!"