Reaching for the Sky | Jessalyn Teed (BES 2017)

“Sharing aviation with others” are words that Jessalyn Teed (BES 2017) has long stood by, navigating through a career in aviation that started in the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo. She is currently a Pilot at Sunwing Airlines, where she supports newcomer pilots through building and assisting a mentorship program, where she connects with each new pilot and fosters a support network for their success. “This is one of the pieces of my role I am most passionate about, and find fulfilling, in my career,” Jessalyn described. “I look back to my time at Conrad Grebel University College, where I was a Don and supported residents through a challenging, transitional experience – and the skills built from being a Don have helped me both identify and utilize this passion to support others through new experiences.” 

“I was drawn to Grebel because there were so many avenues to stay connected to the community and grow alongside it throughout the various phases of university life,” Jessalyn shared. From being a first-year resident, to a Don and then an apartment dweller and off-campus associate, the community Jessalyn created at Grebel taught her lifelong lessons that became pivotal to her time in university and beyond. "The word community is not taken lightly at Grebel – it is approached with gentle welcome, openness, and a sense of security and care,” she explained. From Community Supper to Student Services, the hard work of the Dons and Campus Hosts, and the day-to-day operations of dedicated staff, the College was a place of comfort and security for Jessalyn. “For this reason, I was drawn in to experience Grebel in its many forms,” she shared.  

Jessalyn graduated from UWaterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Aviation. “This was a unique program where I had my goals set from the very start, and accelerated the program from four years into three,” she described. Upon graduation and completion of her flight training, Jessalyn was hired by Sunwing Airlines as a First Officer through their cadet program, a low-time hiring program (consisting of jobs for pilots who have fewer than 500 flight hours or less) which helps aviators accelerate their careers. During her first year at Sunwing, Jessalyn returned to Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, where she helped develop a Multi-Crew Coordination Course. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessalyn was laid-off and began graduate studies in Human Factors while becoming a First Officer on the Boeing 757 and 767 as a cargo operator. “This was a time where passenger travel was limited, yet cargo was needed more than ever,” she stated. As passenger travel restrictions were eased, Jessalyn returned to Sunwing Airlines, her role adjusting to working with low-time hires and its institutional partners. “I have been given so much runway for new ideas and challenges, and an opportunity to grow in a supportive environment as a pilot,” Jessalyn explained.  

For many, including Jessalyn (pictured right), the pandemic served as a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of their life. “During this season, I received an the Inspire Award alongside nine other women from an organization called Elevate Aviation,” Jessalyn explained. “This was an honour that motivated me to empower, equip, and encourage the next generations of aviators through my career in a challenging season of questioning.” She was reminded of and equally inspired by the community of women and aviators around her. “This was fuel for me during this time and helped me press on in this goal to support others as we navigated something new and challenging together.”  

Jessalyn continued to value making time for her family, friends, and personal wellbeing, which have been consistent goals throughout her time in university. “Spending time with family and friends has been hard with an irregular schedule, but making it a priority has been so pivotal,” she described. “I love spending time outdoors, spending time on the water, playing ultimate frisbee and gardening, so I make sure to make time for them.” Jessalyn also volunteers at many local aviation events to help encourage children to pursue aviation as a career. “One of the highlight events is Girls Can Fly at The Region of Waterloo International Airport, where over 300 girls get to go up on free flights throughout the day,” Jessalyn explained. “This is something I attended as a student, volunteered at, and then got to bring to my home airport. It was a very memorable, full-circle moment, as there was so much support from my family and friends, as well as the flight school I learned at, and airline I am currently at.”    

Jessalyn recalled how, as a first-year student at Grebel, the upper-year students were a significant support network. “I looked forward to giving back in that same way,” she shared. “There are so many ways to stay engaged, join the fun and be a part of a community with a purpose.” Jessalyn wanted to remind current students to “remember that your Grebel community or experience doesn't end after the first year when exams are complete – there are so many ways to stay engaged, whether it be an off-campus associate, a volunteer, an apartment dweller.”

By Natasha Forth

Jessalyn Teed (BES 2017) is a Pilot at Sunwing Airlines. She lived at Conrad Grebel University College and graduated from the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo. Through her position at Sunwing, she supports new pilots through mentorship programs. Through her position as a pilot, she serves as an inspiring role model for young girls to find futures in aviation. She was a resident, Don, and off-campus associate at Grebel. 

Jessalyn's story is part of Grebel's 60 Stories for 60 Years project. Check out our 60 Stories page for more articles in this series.