By Gabby Sahm
Staff Writer

Cars are usually the most reliable way of getting around, next to walking. From driving across states to just cruising down the street, cars of different makes and models can be seen along every roadway.

 However, one student is taking a special interest in another mode of transportation and hopes to make a career of it.

 Coppell High School sophomore Bruno Turati is part of Dallas Fort Worth Ambassador Volunteers, which allows young adults to assist people in finding their way around the DFW Airport. He has been involved ever since his friend, CHS senior Laura Gao, who was already involved in the program, told him about it 14 months ago.

 “I have always had a passion for aviation and airports and planes,” Turati said. “So I thought it was a great opportunity to experience that.”

 Once he talked to his parents about it, which really did not take too much convincing, Turati was standing in a small office, waiting to hear which section of the airport he would be working in.

 “I check in at a certain time in the office and get assigned a position throughout anywhere in the entire airport,” Turati said.

 For four hours, Turati walks around his section and offers help to anyone who might need it. Sometimes people will not know where their gate happens to be, where they go for baggage claim or even just asking for advice on the best place to get a quick bite before their plane departs.

 “Sometimes you run into interesting people to say the least,” Turati said. “One time a lady just came up to me, hit my arm, then walked away. I did not know whether to laugh or be concerned.”

 Mehdi Mostowfi, Turati’s shift supervisor, has been looking after him since day one. From helping him when he first started off, Mostowfi sees tremendous changes in Turati each day.

 “Bruno is one of our navigators that has been assisting our guests from all around the world,” Mostowfi said. “He has been a great role model for our upcoming Navigators who want to be just like him.”

 Al and Marina Turati, Bruno’s father and mother, are both very proud of the work that their son is achieving. When he first came to them about joining the program, they were ecstatic and could not wait for him to start.

 “I think the program is great for him,” Mrs. Turati said. “He can experience something he really loves doing.”

Mr. Turati sees many potential benefits from the program, and always encouraging his son to think about the future and what it could hold.

“The program is great for him because it gives him an idea on what the demands of an actual job might be like,” Mr. Turati said. “It also is a great learning experience that he can grow from.”

Bruno hopes to turn this unpaid, volunteer job, into a full-fledged career as a pilot. He hopes that starting at the bottom will eventually get him into the clouds.

“Interacting with so many people every time I volunteer can open doors to many job opportunities,” Turati said. “I hope that one day someone will help get me to where I want to go.”