It should be what every Newhire says! Fresh blood, new faces, enthusiasm. With future hiring projections, UAL should be getting a healthy dose of optimism that makes for fun trips.
I did not experience the highs of the late 90s or the lows of post 9/11. So yes, I have quite a different perspective. Always smiling and up for a beer! The smile may last 5 years, maybe 10 who knows. But right here and now, life is good.