As always I’m late for another blog. This is from last weekend…

So I'm flying back to Seattle right now. I know, so much have happened! Let me start where I left off. 

My project was going good back in Seattle. I got used to the environment and people there. I was almost done and about to go home last Friday when my manager called me. He wanted to see me right away and he didn't invite me in his office, he was walking to mine. I was surprised and concerned. What could it be!? Did I do something wrong!? He came to me and asked if I had any plans for the weekend. I said nothing big, hoping he was asking because he wanted to hang out and get a drink or something. But no, I was wrong. He asked me if I could go to Charleston, South Carolina, as soon as possible.

I was speechless, trying to figure out if it's a good thing or the bad. Furiously I said yes. They needed my help on the one of my mentor’s project while she was not available. I helped my mentor with her project so they thought I could help them with the stuff that she was doing. I was scared. They expect me to do the same thing as my mentor? She is way more experienced and smarter. Why would they ask me to go, I mean I'm sure they could find someone better! Any experienced Boeing employee would do better than me. They over estimated me. I was pretty sure they were expecting a lot from me. I even expressed my concern to the manager but he calmed me down. He had me talking to his boss. And it was all set. I was expected to fly the next morning at 4am. My heart was racing. This was a huge opportunity for me. Either I seize it or blow it. I heard them pay about 700 dollars for my flight and $130 per night for my hotel. This did not help with the pressure at all. I was excited to be treated like a normal employee but I was very afraid to disappoint everyone. I was supposed to fly back to Seattle on Wednesday. I went home and started packing bags as I told my roommates about the opportunity. 

And the next day I was off to my flight. It was too late to change my mind. Now I'm in it and I have to make the best of it. I arrived in Charleston a little late because of the delayed flight, checked into the hotel and got ready to go out with another Boeing employee who I was supposed to work with. Greg picked me up right on time. He had it all planned out. He took me to an Iris restaurant called ‘Madra Rua’ which was wonderful by the way. I was surprised how people spend money when they are on business travel. We went to some of the best restaurant, got more than enough drinks and food. Every meal was a three course meal. At first I hesitated spending so much money but then I gave in and decided to enjoy as much as possible. Over all, Boeing takes a good care of its Employees. We got Iris Nachos and Shepard pie. They were both very good; amazing. I was afraid to spend time with a stranger employee who's more like my boss, but Greg and I got along well. We didn't really have any awkward moments the first day. 

My hotel was beautiful. Shame I couldn't have time to enjoy. Next day, Sunday, he picked me up for work. It was my first time being at that Boeing site. I was amazed. It's huge and beautiful. Greg did his best to answer all my questions and gave me a tour to the plant. We had not time to waste. He caught me up with everything that was going on and we dived in straight to the work. To my surprise I understood everything and I was ready to help. I met few other people who are working on the same project and they were all nice. They never let me feel like just an intern. I was involved in every step and decision making. I felt as if I was actually a full time professional employee. Everyone treated me nice, bought drinks and food for me all the time. I didn't have to worry about what everyone thought of me because I knew I was contributing to the project. And they never ignored the fact. They appreciated everything I was doing. I was supposed to fly back on Wednesday but they decided to extend me until our part of the project was done. It didn't take long for me to get used to of daily routine. Every day I would wake up early, get ready, go to work with Greg, have an awesome breakfast, lunch, work and then got back to the hotel around 6. We would take an hour to get ready and freshen up then head out for the dinner. Dinner was always a good part. We are happy that the day is over, get a nice dinner and drink. We talk about work and personal life. We both got to know each other a little better. 

Finally on Wednesday we figured out a better approach and Thursday we pretty much did all the work that was initially planned to be done  on the first day. Thursday was a happy day for us. Things finally worked out and we get to go back to Seattle on Friday. Right now I am flying to Seattle as I write this. 

I am very lucky to have a 'real Boeing' experience. I can finally say with full confidence "I love Boeing" and I'm proud to be where I am. Boeing spoiled me bad LOL 

  The wing cover over the top of the plant's main entrance!

My hotel room