Alumni Corner

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By: Aaden Wong

Early Life
Betty Ong was born Feb. 5, 1956, and raised in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Ong attended George Washington High School and graduated in Spring of 1973. Growing up, Ong was the youngest of four siblings. She was caring, loving, and always considerate of others around her. Ong had a great character, she seemed to persevere through any challenges growing up. After graduating high school, she had to choose a career path. At first, she was approached with modeling, but her mother didn’t approve of it. Instead, Ong worked at her parents' beef jerky factory. One day, while working at the factory a man came in with a gun and pointed it to Ong’s head, demanding money. Ong stayed calm during the entire encounter and only said “Dad, we’re being robbed.” Ong’s parents gave the man the money he demanded, and he shortly.

Career Path

After working at her parents' factory, she eventually joined Pacific Southwest Airlines in the baggage claim department. She moved to Delta Airlines, and then became one of the head flight attendants for American Airlines. Ong loved her job, she would always make sure children and seniors had a good time while on board with her. “Ong was the sort of flight attendant that sometimes skipped her breaks so she could tend to passengers,” states Janna S.

Sept. 11, 2001
On Sept. 11, 2001, Ong was aboard Flight 11, one of the four planes hijacked that day. Fifteen minutes into Flight 11’s journey, the hijackers started attacking. At the time, Ong was at the back of the plane preparing meals for the onboard passengers. She heard screaming from upfront. Shortly after, someone onboard ran back and informed Ong of what was happening. Ong immediately dialed for the American Airlines Reservation Desk to let them know about the hijacking. Ong stayed on the line for 23 minutes relaying important information about the hijackers and the events that were going on the plane. At 8:46 the line went cold; Flight 11 hit the North Tower. Everyone on board was killed instantly.

After The Attack

After the tragedy, the 9/11 commission declared Ong a national hero. In her memory, the mayor dedicated the Chinese Recreation Center in Chinatown to Ong. The center honors her and the legacy she left behind.