From Ashes to Altitude on the wings of dreams.

"Good morning, everyone, and welcome back to the last term of the school year. As it is our tradition, we'll be embarking on a school trip to Kilimanjaro."

An excited cheer filled the air, momentarily halting Miss Angel's words. Patiently, she waited for the enthusiasm to subside before continuing.

"Who can tell me where Kilimanjaro is?" she asked. Merit eagerly raised her hand, and Miss Angel signaled for her to stand and speak.

"Tanzania," Merit confidently answered.

"That's absolutely correct. Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, and this year, our field trip will be in this vibrant country."

"It's not just about knowing where Kilimanjaro is located. Can you afford the trip?" Jay, the class captain, mocked, triggering an "oooooooh" from the crowd.

The geography teacher shot him a stern look, and a hush fell over the room. It was a familiar scenario for Merit. Her classmates seemed to delight in casting shadows on her existence. Since her arrival at the school, jests and taunts have become constant companions, all stemming from the fact that she hails from a less affluent background.

Merit's presence at the school owed itself to her mother's bravery. During a fire outbreak, Mr. Jude's only son became trapped in a restaurant restroom. After the evacuation and headcount, she realized he was still inside because she had just finished cleaning it when he went in. Without a moment's hesitation, she courageously reentered the flames to rescue him. Mr. Jude, profoundly grateful for her heroic act, reciprocated by offering a scholarship to her daughter at his school as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

Miss Angel had disclosed that each student needed to contribute $1500 for the round trip, encompassing accommodation and additional expenses. Such a sum dwarfed any amount Merit had encountered before. Nevertheless, her fervent desire to become an air hostess propelled her determination to grasp this opportunity and experience the world of flight attendant life.

That evening, after dinner, Leah sat with her daughter to watch their favorite soap opera when she broached the topic.

"I could take on additional cleaning gigs or increase my work hours." Leah suggested.

"You're already working hard, and it is barely enough to get us by. I saw a poster seeking a weekend dog walker for 100 bucks a month. If I can secure five such jobs, that's 500 bucks. In three months, I'd have the 1500 bucks needed for the trip," replied Merit.

"It's a bit of a gamble. What if you can't find five such jobs?

"Then I'll go to plan B. Anthony is the least brilliant student in my class. I've heard his father is searching for a tutor. Since I'm the top student, I'll make him an offer. I'm not sure how, Mum, but I'll figure out a way to make this money."

True to her words, the next day, as Anthony's father arrived to pick up his son, Merit approached him and made her offer. Initially amused by the proposition coming from a fellow student, he yielded to her reputation as the top student, agreeing to pay her $200. Merit diligently tutored Anthony three times a week at his home, and on weekends, she took on the role of Mr. John's dog walker.

At the term's conclusion, Merit amassed $900 from her side hustles and an additional $300 from babysitting her neighbors' children, totaling $1200. Unfortunately, the mother had fallen very ill during the course of the term and had not worked much. She handed the entire sum to her mother, suggesting that they use it to pay their rent upfront since it won't be enough to pay for the trip. She had accepted her fate.

The day arrived, and as the students gathered at the school, anticipating the bus ride to the airport, Merit prepared to follow her mother to work. Leah's phone rang. She reached for it on the table and answered, Miss Angel was on the line.

"Hello, Miss Leah. I called to inform you that Merit is running late and we are about to leave for the airport. Can you kindly ask her to hurry down so we won't miss our flight?"

Leah, confused, responded, "I'm sorry, but Merit didn't pay for the trip. I think there is a mix-up somewhere."

"Anthony's father had paid for his son and Merit. He said Merit was the reason his son had good grades this term. I don't know the details, but please tell her we leave for the Muritala Mohammed international airport in 10 minutes with or without her. Thank you."

Having overheard the conversation, Merit, relieved with minimal belongings to gather, swiftly picked up what she needed and dashed out the door. The school was only a few blocks away, allowing her to catch up just in time.

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They arrived at the airport, and Miss Angel took charge of everything. The boarding announcement for Flight JP1777A to Tanzania echoed through the terminal, and she led them in a single file to board the plane. Out there on the ramp stood a large plane with Kenya Airways boldly written on it.

Merit's heart rate surged as they awaited the final clearance before boarding. A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind, but she swiftly dismissed any negativity as she ascended the stairs. At the entrance, an air hostess clad in a blue gown with a red scarf around her neck checked the boarding passes and guided people to their seating positions."Boarding pass, please," she said with a smile. Merit bit her lips as she offered the boarding pass.

"23C, walk straight down by the left. Have a safe flight," the air hostess instructed, handing over the boarding pass with the same warm smile still on her face.

Merit entered the cabin, greeted by a rush of cold air. Rows of seats stretched before her. She located her assigned seat and lowered herself into it. Observing the other passengers settling in, she felt a sense of anticipation. Soon, a voiceover echoed through the cabin, and with newfound enthusiasm, she watched as the air hostesses demonstrated with precision the safety procedures in case of an emergency.

Soon after, the pilot's voice resonated through the cabin, announcing the takeoff. Contrary to her expectations, Merit felt surprisingly relaxed and prepared for the journey. In that moment, a sense of peace enveloped her, and a profound realization struck: this was where she belonged. Determined, she made up her mind that, regardless of the challenges, she would pursue her dream of becoming an air hostess.