WMU Aviation Management Student Amna Al Bulushi visiting Garden of the Gods in Colorado during fall break
Amna Al Bulushi is well on her way to fashioning a rewarding life in the aviation industry. But if those plans ever come undone, she could carve out a successful career in . . . fashion.
A citizen of the nation of Oman, Al Bulushi can credit her passion for the industry and her opportunity at the WMU College of Aviation -- where she is a senior majoring in aviation management and operations -- to a family friend and some advice from the Sultanate of Oman Embassy.
For the geographically challenged, Oman is located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula with rife-filled Yemen on its western border. Al Bulushi is a 2019 graduate of Nafissa High School in her hometown of Barka, a coastal city in northern Oman known for agricultural beauty, fishing, horse and camel racing, and bullfighting.
Al Bulushi and Dean Irma Lopez from the WMU Lee Honors College during the Oman National Day event
For the Western students lucky enough to share a class with her, they earn the bonus of interacting with a well-spoken, intelligent, perspective-altering person who demonstrates that, despite cultural differences, humanity can be a common denominator for all of our species.
Spurred by a family friend, who is an airport executive in Oman, she was exposed to valuable insights and the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. Al Bulushi engaged in airport tours, aviation workshops and seminars, and hands-on experiences, many of which took her to the Muscat International Airport in Seeb, the nation's main hub, in 2022. She sampled all of the career paths the industry had to offer. Knowing that academic excellence would fuel her journey, Al Bulushi tailored her curriculum to aviation-related subjects and took part in math and science competitions. At the college level, she is exploring additional internships, engaging in aviation-related research projects, and expanding her horizons at forums and conferences -- all to enrich "the contributions I can make to the ever-evolving aviation industry in Oman," she says.
How's this for charting a future? "The impressive progress and advancements in our country's aviation sector initially sparked my interest." she says. "Witnessing the ambitious national vision and strategic investments made in aviation infrastructure ignited a desire to be part of this transformative journey." Not an easy hill to climb, she says, "as a woman aspiring to enter this modern and progressive sector," Al Bulushi says. "I am inspired by the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry" and she wants to offer "my unique perspectives and abilities" in "being a catalyst for positive change."
Visiting New York City with her roommates, Siba and Fatema
Thanks to a strong recommendation from Oman's embassy in the United States and the energetic support from her family, she would be preparing for all of this at Western's College of Aviation, which carried the reputation as being "a top-tiered institution in aviation education" with a "commitment to excellence, cutting-edge facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum" that featured "practical hands-on experiences" provided by a "renowned faculty."
And for Al Belushi, there was another selling point. "The appeal of being part of a diverse and inclusive academic community was also compelling," she says about "the opportunity to study in an environment that values perspectives from around the world. That aligns perfectly with my aspiration to contribute to the global aviation landscape."
On the WMU campus, she advocates for what her homeland has to offer, serving as past president of the Omani Student Association and its current public-relations associate. The organization provides a platform for students from Oman to gather, share experiences, and create a supportive environment leading to academic success. "It gives me an opportunity to represent Oman on campus," she says. "It acts as a cultural bridge, promoting understanding and collaboration between Omani students and the wider WMU community. One of our aims is to showcase the rich heritage of Oman."
Experiencing the Erebus haunted house in Pontiac, Mich with friends
Helping to bridge Al Belushi from academia to the real-world of aviation was Matilda McLean's course in Introduction to Airframe Systems. "It was my academic entry into the industry," she says about its comprehensive content that broadened her understanding of aviation. McLean's approachability and helpful nature "created a positive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking questions. This was particularly important for a first-year student like myself. She went beyond course material with a personalized mentorship that fostered a sense of belonging and assurance, all the while infusing the curriculum with a sense of fun. Her teaching methods made complex concepts accessible and engaging. She fostered my passion for aviation."
Al Bulushi and her nephews in London during the summer of 2023
All of which prepped her for that 2022 internship at Muscat International where she was exposed to a major airport's daily operations. "From observing ground-handling procedures to gaining insights into air-traffic management," she says, "I witnessed the intricate workings of various aspects of the aviation field. Connecting and engaging with seasoned professionals in different departments broadened my understanding of the collaboration needed for an international airport to function. The experience bridged theoretical knowledge acquired in academia to the real-world challenges faced routinely. Not only did I acquire a more-informed perspective, it also solidified my choice of a career."
Another "solidifier" is the college's vibrant "sense of community that fosters strong relationships between students and faculty," she says. "That tight-knit bond creates a welcoming environment that feels like a second home." At the top of this hierarchy, according to Al Belushi, is Tom Thinnes, the director of recruitment, outreach and marketing, whose "kindness and helpful, supportive nature" made her debut at the 2023 international air show in Oshkosh, Wis., something to never forget -- a unique combination of learning and camaraderie, "a melting pot of cultures, ideas and a celebration of our collective passion." Western's environment "goes beyond academics," she says. "It's the experiences such as Oshkosh, where I was able to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, that have enriched my college journey. Western is more than an educational institution. It is a place where I feel connected, inspired and proud to represent in the aviation field."
Al Belushi also has a warm place in her heart for the course in international cinema taught by Monty Ernst of the WMU English Department, which she says, "delves deep into the historical and cultural contexts of a diverse range of films. His ability to place films within different eras, genres and cultural movements has expanded my understanding of storytelling and visual expression. It took me on a journey through the diverse tapestry of film history." The class "provided a refreshing break from my aviation-centric courses and opened my eyes to a different form of creativity," adding a "delightful dimension to my overall college experience."
Visiting the Prada Café in London during a trip with her best friend Teeb
An experience she hopes leads to Qatar Airways adding her to its international payroll. "Being a highly successful and renowned airline in my region," she says, Qatar would serve "as an ideal platform for me to apply my knowledge and skills to the ever-changing landscape of aviation. I would have the opportunity to be part of an airline that consistently establishes industry standards for excellence. The dream is to become an integral part of an organization that embodies innovation, service excellence and a commitment to advancing the industry."
While Al Belushi's career path is well plotted and etched in hardening concrete, she could have a fallback position. "I derive immense joy and find an outlet for creative expression in the realm of fashion," she says. "Keeping up and exploring trends in fashion has become a fulfilling hobby. I take great pleasure in uncovering the ever-developing landscapes of styles, colors and designs in the fashion industry. It's also a way for me to express myself. I deeply appreciate the artistry of fashion trends and thoroughly enjoy curating my own unique style. I am fully immersed in the vibrant and dynamic world of fashion that reflects cultural and societal shifts."
Who knows? Amna Al Belushi may someday be in a position to design the new look and uniforms of team Qatar Airways.