Kimberly Terpe

After completing my BA in English/Creative Writing in 2002, I worked for the UA as an Admissions Counselor, Academic Advisor in the Political Science Department, and as Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of Study Abroad & Student Exchange. In July of 2005, I left Tucson for the bright lights of New York City and worked as the Study Abroad Advisor in the International Programs Office at Pace University in downtown Manhattan. In September of 2006, I got out from behind my desk and made my new office at 43,000 feet--as a corporate flight attendant for NJI, Inc., a Berkshire-Hathaway owned company. NJI, Inc. operates Gulfstream IV, 450, V, and 550 aircraft. Owners purchase shares of aircraft and travel around the world in top of the line business aircraft, complete with one flight attendant. I've been as far as Australia and China, regularly spending nights in Hawaii, Europe, the islands and small towns all across the USA. Despite working up to 14 hours a day at times, making omelets at 41,000 feet, and ensuring every owner gets world-class service; I still have time to walk on the beach, enjoy tapas in the evening, and visit the Great Wall of China. While working a seven-days-on, seven-days-off schedule, I returned to Tucson in January 2007. While back in the Old Pueblo, I have had time to complete my MA in English focusing on women's journals, memoir, and travel writing. I will graduate in December 2008.

Kimberly Terpe in front of a GIV in Cancun, Mexico.