The journey to making the Flight Crew of the Jets

Take an exclusive look at the journey of Anais Roman, a promising cheerleader with hopes of making the Flight Crew of the New York Jets.

It’s that time of year again!  Prep classes have started for hopefuls of making the Flight Crew, the official cheerleading squad of the New York Jets.  The advantage of attending the prep class is to be granted “Priority Boarding” that allows you the chance to advance to the Semi-Final round. This boarding pass is given out at each prep class to a dancer who out shined throughout the class.

So what does it take to be on the Flight Crew?  What do girls go through to get a chance to give us the ultimate game day experience? What do they sacrifice? In this mini-series, I decided to follow Anais Roman, an inspiring cheerleader.

To document the exciting and intense process of making it on board. Florida-based and a life-long dancer, Anais, found out about Flight Crew auditions and decided this is the time.  Not because she wants to be a cheerleader for the NFL, but wants to be part of her favorite team squad.

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Although she was born in Miami, her father and most of her family are based in Paterson, NJ.  And growing up in a rivalry (Dolphin territory) she not only cheered her team on every Sunday but defended them as well.

Anais booked her flight to arrive Wednesday, March 1, just in time for the first prep class. Unfortunately, Anais missed her flight and spent the day at the airport and went from arriving early morning to almost midnight!

Many people in a situation like this would be overwhelmed with emotion. But she explained having so many positive things to look forward to when she arrived that she couldn’t help but to smile and be happy in the very moment, regardless of spending hours in an airport.

“Words can’t express the excitement inside my soul for this new beginning. I sense great energy and positivity and couldn’t be any happier with the path I’ve decided to pursue. My favorite quote that I’ve been repeating to myself throughout the process. “If this wasn’t supposed to happen it wouldn’t. I’m here and everything couldn’t be anymore perfect in my eyes.”

Although she missed the flight crew preparation class, I caught up with Anais for lunch to talk about job opportunities that are available in New York.  That’s right, this girl got off a plane, went home, washed up and started hitting the streets of Manhattan with me determined to find a job as she does her best to make the Flight Crew.  We ended up walking around the city and turning in resumes while talking about staying focused for March 8, the next prep course.

It’s no secret the Jets have had a rough season.  Anais smiles even through less than perfect travel experiences, a nightmare for any hopeful of missing the class and odds stacked against her in the big city (coming without job security) shows she has not only the positive state of mind required but the right mentality.

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It’s not always easy finding a reason to cheer for the Jets.  But her dream is making home games the best experience and to put a smile on all fans, regardless where our rankings fall in the NFL.  I will be back next week when Anais does her first class. From all your friends at The Jet Press, good luck!