Meet Mercedes Laing, mother of two and Level 5 ITC student (with plans to become a pilot)!
Mercedes is a seriously impressive ITC student – with plans to become a pilot!
Mercedes Laing is the kind of student who is exciting to watch. She has returned to study after raising her children, is about to graduate from Level 4, and will be getting started on her Level 5 training in July.
But that’s not all – she has aspirations to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, and we couldn’t be more excited to be the first step on that journey, and to cheer her along the way!
For anyone who has ever thought about returning to study, or wondered if it was too late to make a career change, read on for some serious career inspiration!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your study journey so far?
Kia Ora, my name is Mercedes Laing and I am a proud mother of two. In 2025, I made the decision to return to study and begin a new chapter for myself and my family. I first started at NZST, before deciding to continue my journey at ITC because of the wider range of opportunities and support they offer students.
Since joining ITC, I have grown both personally and professionally. I have built strong relationships with my peers and tutors, and I am proud to be continuing into Level 5 in July 2026. During my studies, I have been fortunate to gain valuable industry experience, including working on cruise turnaround operations for the Celebrity Edge embarkation and Disembarkation process. I have also been selected to volunteer at TRENZ 2026 which is an exciting opportunity to further develop my skills and connections within the tourism industry.
My journey so far has shown me how much confidence and determination I have, and studying at ITC has opened more doors for me than I ever expected. I am really enjoying my studies and look forward to continuing to grow and build a successful future in the travel and tourism industry.
What first got you interested in travel and tourism as a career?
I have always had a passion for travel and aviation. Growing up, my dream career was actually to become a pilot. However, after having children at a young age, I put that dream aside to focus on being a mother and providing for my family. For a long time, I never thought I would have the opportunity to return to it.
Now 14 years later, with both of my children older, I decided it was finally time to invest in myself and go back to school. When I first returned to studying, I was travelling, meeting new people, and creating positive experiences for others. As I continued learning more about the industry, I started looking deeper into pilot training and the pathways needed to achieve that goal.
That experience reminded me of the dream I once had, and it inspired me to take a chance on myself. My current goal is to begin my career in the aviation industry as a flight attendant, gain valuable experience, and save towards attending pilot school in the future. I know the journey will take hard work and dedication, but I am excited to finally be working towards a career I have always been passionate about.
Travel and tourism interests me because it brings people together, creates unforgettable experiences, and opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. I love the idea of being part of an industry that helps people create memories while also allowing me to continue growing both personally and professionally.
What does the next 12 months look like for you?
Over the next 12 months, I see myself continuing to grow both personally and professionally. One of my biggest milestones will be graduating in June, which is something I am incredibly proud of. Returning to study after many years, while also balancing motherhood and everyday responsibilities, has been a huge achievement for me. Graduation will represent all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices that have gone into rebuilding my future.
After graduation I plan to take a short break to rest and reset before beginning Level 5 in July 2026. I am really looking forward to continuing my studies and challenging myself even further. What makes it even more exciting is being able to continue this journey alongside the friends I have made throughout my time at ITC while also meeting new people and building more connections within the industry.
Over the next year I also hope to continue gaining hands-on industry experience and taking every opportunity that comes my way. Experiences such as cruise turnaround operations volunteering for TRENZ 2026 have already helped build my confidence and I want to keep developing my skills and knowledge within the travel and tourism industry,
Most important, the 12 months are about continuing to work towards the future I have always wanted for myself and my children. I want it for myself and my children. I want to keep proving to myself that it is never too late to chase your goals and create new opportunities. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and look forward to everything I will learn and achieve along the way.
What would you say to someone who is unsure if they’re in the right course or place?
I would say that it is completely okay to feel unsure sometimes. Starting something new can be scary, especially when you are trying to figure out what you truly want for your future. I think the most important thing is to give yourself a chance to try, learn and grow before giving up too quickly.
For me personally I did not expect to come this far when I first returned to study. I was nervous about going back to school after many years, especially as a mother, but taking that first step ended up opening so many opportunities as a mother, but taking that first step ended up opening so many opportunities for me. Along the way, I found confidence in myself, made amazing friendships, and discovered a career path that I am genuinely passionate about.
I would tell someone that sometimes you may not realise you are in the right place until you start experiencing the opportunities, support and growth that come with it. Even if you are unsure now every experience teaches you something valuable about yourself and your future.
Most importantly do not be afraid to take a chance on yourself. You never know where one decision or opportunity could lead you.
A final comment from Employment Consultant Sarndra Stephens
“I love Mercedes’ laugh and her energy and her willingness to give everything a go. She just gets in there and goes for it. She gets on with absolutely everyone and is quite an inspiration. I am 100% looking forward to the day when she contacts us with that pilots license and look forward to assisting her on her journey between now and then.”
Feeling inspired? Enrol at ITC today!
Mercedes’ story is impressive enough to inspire anyone. Is your story the next inspiring tale we share with future students?
Explore our course options here and enrol today to take your first step on your own career in travel and tourism!
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