Shelia Frederick, a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, was working on a flight from Seattle to San Francisco when she noticed something suspicious. A young girl, accompanied by an elderly man, boarded the plane, and Shelia couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off.
The girl seemed hesitant to make eye contact, and her attire was inconsistent with the man’s. Shelia’s instincts told her that this was more than just a coincidence. She confided in a colleague, and together, they hatched a plan to intervene.
While serving snacks, Shelia tried to catch the girl’s eye, and when she finally did, the look of desperation was heartbreaking. Shelia knew she had to act fast. She came up with a clever idea to leave a note and a pencil in one of the plane’s bathrooms, hoping the girl would understand the message.
Shelia mouthed “restroom” to the girl while her colleague distracted the man. The girl eventually excused herself to use the restroom, and Shelia waited anxiously outside, keeping a close eye on the man.
The girl’s response to Shelia’s note was a simple yet desperate plea: “I need help.” Shelia immediately informed the pilot, who arranged for authorities to meet the plane upon landing.
Thanks to Shelia’s bravery and quick thinking, the young girl was rescued from human trafficking. The two have remained in touch over the years, and the girl is now attending college.
Shelia’s story serves as a powerful reminder to trust our instincts and take action when we suspect something is wrong. Her selfless act is an inspiration to us all, and her bravery has made a lasting impact on the life of the young girl she saved.
