In this captivating episode, Esleen Muniale takes us through her pioneering journey as the first Black student in her aircraft maintenance engineering course and how that bold step sparked a career defined by resilience, passion, and high standards. From her early days navigating cultural surprises and academic rigor in Malaysia to securing an internship with AirAsia X, Esleen reflects on the moment she transitioned from theory to hands-on experience, dispatching wide-body aircraft at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Her 6-month placement set the bar high and shaped her expectations for the aviation industry. Esleen shares the emotional crossroads that followed—visa hurdles, decisions about staying abroad versus returning home, and eventually making the leap back to Kenya. Despite the challenges, including months of job-hunting and temporary work in general aviation, she remained determined. Her persistence paid off when she joined Kenya Airways as an apprentice, bringing her full circle in a journey that continues to inspire.